Colonization

Colonization is the act, by a militarily strong country, of invading and taking over the sovereignty of another area, which then becomes known as a colony. This often includes the establishment of one or more settlements, also called "colonies", inhabited by emigrants from the colonizing power.

In ancient times, maritme nations such as Greece often established colonies. These appear to be more benign, emphasizing uninhabited land, and farming it. In classical times, land suitable for farming was often claimed by "barbarian tribes" that lived by hunting and gathering. To ancient civilized people, the land simply appeared vacant.

In science fiction, colonization is more benign. Humans find an uninhabited planet, and inhabit it. In more recent science fiction, they may create inhabitable space. and call that a "colony."

More metaphorical uses of the word include "coca-colonization", that is, the erosion of a country's indigenous culture and its replacement with corporate mass-culture, usually American in origin.

See also: Colonization of Africa, European colonization of the Americas