... is the historic topic of one of my next novel projects. This is why I came up with it. ;o)

The multicultural mixture of ancient Asia, particularly Asia minor is very interesting. There was a Celtic population (named Galatoi by the Greeks) as well, which is still famous for their valour, so that soccer teams are named after them. And you have Troy and lots of famous colonies on the rim of the Pontos euxenos.

I haven't been there so far, but it will be part of upcoming research travels to Turkey and the Ukraine in about 1 or 2 years.