In the main theme of the history of ancient Asia Minor from the archaic to Hellenistic age, the article presents an overview of the ethnic and cultural frame from 5th cent. B.C. to the Alexander conquest. Rejecting the Hellenocentric perspective and taking account of the issues on Achaemenid history, ethnic environment, Hellenicity and mixing culture, the article argues that our understanding of Asia Minor frame must go over the polarity “Greek/Persian” and appreciate the multi-faceted aspects of the relationship of Greeks, Persians, indigenous peoples.
