Early Greek city-states were eager to establish colonies primarily because

While establishing colonies could indeed lead to trading partnerships, the primary motivation was not just trade but the pressing need for land and resources. The population growth in Greek city-states often surpassed their local agricultural capacity, making resource acquisition a more urgent priority than simply seeking trade partners.

This statement is misleading as the focus of early Greek colonization was not specifically on West African gold but rather on nearby regions for resources and agricultural land. The economic motivations were broader, encompassing various resources across the Mediterranean rather than a singular focus on gold routes.

While the Dorian invasion did lead to migrations and settlements, it was not the primary driver for the establishment of colonies across the Mediterranean. Instead, the Greeks sought to proactively create colonies to support their growing populations and resource needs, rather than being solely reactive to invasions.