1. Introduction: identity and the construction of cultural difference; 2. Foundation myths and politics; 3. Ionia; 4. Miletus: violence and bloodshed; 5. Chios and Samos: land and island; 6. Colophon and Ephesus: founding mothers; 7. Being Ionian: the Ionian League, Ionian migrations, and Smyrna; 8. Conclusions.