Greeks or Hellenes, The People of Greece

The Greek people, historically referred to as Hellenes, represent a distinguished ethnic group originating from the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea areas, encompassing Greece, Cyprus, Albania, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, and other Mediterranean neighboring nations. Today, the population of Greece is 10,482,000 and another 4 million are estimated to live abroad.

people of greece
Greek people protesting in Syntagma Square in Athens

Historically, Greek communities have flourished along the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, though their cultural heart has always been in the Aegean and Ionian seas. The Greek language is a direct line from the past, and the Greek Orthodox Church remains a central aspect of Greek cultural identity today.

Tales of gods, heroes, and thinkers from ancient times are not just old stories to the Greeks; they’re part of who they are today. They honor their history by keeping their culture strong, which is especially important as the world continues to change.

Throughout history, Greek people were spread across various regions including the Greek peninsula, Asia Minor’s western coast, Black Sea coast, central Anatolia’s Cappadocia, Egypt, the Balkans, Cyprus, and Constantinople. Many of these areas were integral to the Byzantine Empire’s late 11th-century borders and regions of ancient Greek colonization. Renowned cultural hubs for Greeks have been Athens, Thessalonica, Alexandria, Smyrna, and Constantinople.

Currently, the majority of ethnic Greeks reside in modern Greece and Cyprus. The tragic events of the Greek genocide and the Greece-Turkey population exchange have significantly impacted the historic Greek presence in Asia Minor. Nevertheless, vibrant Greek communities continue to exist from southern Italy to the Caucasus and in southern Russia and Ukraine. Moreover, extensive Greek diaspora communities are present in various countries.

Origin of the Name Greek

The word “Greek” comes from the Latin word “Graecus“, which is what the Romans called the people of ancient Greece. As Roman culture and the Latin language spread throughout Europe, “Graecus” stuck and later changed to the English word “Greek”.

Origin of the Name Hellenes

The term “Hellenes” comes from Hellen, the son of Deucalion and Pyrrha, who were the only survivors of a flood similar to the one described in the story of Noah’s Ark. According to Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Deucalion and Pyrrha repopulated the world by throwing stones that turned into men; the first stone they threw became their son, Hellen.

In the English language, both “Greek” and “Hellenic” are used to refer to the people and culture associated with the modern nation-state of Greece. Hellas (Ελλάς) is the official name of the country. In modern Greek, it is called “Ellada” (Ελλάδα) and its people are called “Ellines” (Ελληνες).

However, “Hellenism” refers to something larger, encompassing the language, culture, and values of the Hellenes, which have had a significant impact on the world throughout history.

During the Byzantine period (11th-13th centuries), a growing number of Byzantine Greek intellectuals identified themselves as Hellenes, although for most Greek speakers “Hellene” still meant pagan. The term “Hellene” began to be applied to followers of the polytheistic (“pagan”) religion after the establishment of Christianity by Theodosius I.

Pelasgoi, Mycenaeans, Dorians

Long before the well-known ancient Greeks, the Pelasgoi, Myceneans, and Dorians were key players in shaping what would become Greek civilization. These groups laid the foundation for the culture and history we associate with ancient Greece.

Let’s start with the Pelasgoi. They were some of the first people to live in Greece, but we don’t know much about where they came from, which has left historians with many puzzles. What’s clear is that their religious ideas left a lasting mark on the Greeks who came after them.

Next up are the Myceneans. They flourished in the late Bronze Age, from about 1600 to 1100 BC. These people were master builders and engineers, creating impressive structures like the Lion’s Gate at Mycenae. They also used an early form of Greek writing called Linear B, which gives us a glimpse into their world.

Then there were the Dorians. They are often associated with the so-called “Dorian Invasion” that happened after the Mycenaean civilization fell apart. Their arrival caused a major shift in culture and led to what’s known as the Greek Dark Ages. The Dorians played a major role in spreading a version of the Greek language that would become the Classical Greek we know from history books.

Together, the contributions of these groups are woven into the very fabric of ancient Greek history, laying the foundation for a civilization that would have an enormous impact on the world.

Hellenistic Civilization

The Hellenistic period was a significant chapter in ancient Greek history that began after Alexander the Great conquered many lands. This era is important because it saw the spread of the Greek way of life and ideas over a vast area, reaching as far as India. This blending of Greek culture with the ways of other people created a diverse and impressive mix of knowledge and achievement.

When Alexander died in 323 BC, his vast empire was divided among his military leaders. This led to the formation of several Greek-influenced kingdoms. For example, the city of Alexandria in Egypt became a center of knowledge, home to the great Library of Alexandria, a symbol of the era’s dedication to learning.

The Hellenistic period saw great advances in philosophy, science, and the arts. Important people such as Euclid, the father of geometry; Archimedes, an incredible inventor and scientist; and Zeno, who began the philosophy of Stoicism, show how vibrant this era was in terms of thought and creativity.

Even though the Roman Empire eventually took over the Hellenistic kingdoms, the influence of this period didn’t just disappear. It left its mark on the world for a long time to come, shaping future cultures and civilizations.

Greek People in the Middle Ages

After the Hellenistic period, Greeks lived through the Middle Ages, which brought both familiar patterns and many changes to their way of life. The Byzantine Empire, with its capital in Constantinople (Istanbul today), played a large role in Greek life and was where Greek Orthodox Christianity began to grow strong.

Byzantine Empire

  • Preserved much of the wisdom of ancient Greece and Rome
  • Constantinople was a bustling city that connected the East and West.
  • Greek language and culture remained important in the empire.

Medieval Greece

  • Was divided into different Byzantine themes, which were areas for administering the country
  • Had to deal with invasions from Slavs, Arabs, and Normans
  • People continued to trade and do business even though the government was unstable.

Greek Orthodox Influence

  • Monasteries were important places for education and spiritual security.
  • Christian beliefs had a great influence on how people lived and how the country was run.
  • There was a rise in beautiful art and architecture with a unique Byzantine style.

During this time, Greeks continued to speak their language and maintain their cultural identity even as the rest of the world changed. The Byzantine Empire lasted a long time, which meant that Greek Orthodox practices and the Greek language became a permanent part of Greek society. This influence continued through the Renaissance and beyond.

Greeks in the Ottoman Empire

For over 400 years, beginning in the 15th century, Greeks lived under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, which changed their lives in many ways. This period saw the end of the Greek Hellenistic era and the beginning of a new period where the Ottomans were in charge. The empire controlled everything from how people were governed to what they could do in their religious lives.

The Greeks managed to keep their identity alive largely thanks to the Orthodox Church, which the Ottomans allowed to operate somewhat independently. But they had to pay high taxes and lived with rules that limited what they could do socially, which really changed their daily lives. The empire brought new ways of doing business and owning land that affected not only the peasants but also the urban Greeks.

Although trade was a part of life, the Greeks faced many restrictions that kept them from making a lot of money. But Greek culture was strong; it showed in their art, writing, and education, proving that they could keep their traditions alive. This strength and sense of identity set the stage for them to fight for their independence in the 19th century, changing the direction of their country once again.

The impact of this era is a crucial part of the larger picture of Greek history.

Greek Nation and Religion

inside a Greek church, the importance of christian religion for the people of Greece

For hundreds of years under Ottoman control, the Greek Orthodox Church was instrumental in keeping the Greek sense of identity and faith alive. This strong foundation helped fuel Greece’s struggle for freedom. Today, the connection between Greek culture and the Orthodox Church is still an important part of life in Greece.

Greek Nation

  • It is a powerful symbol that brings people together.
  • It was a driving force behind Greece’s struggle for independence.
  • It represents the rich cultural history of Greece.

Religion and the People of Greece

  • Most Greek people practice the Greek Orthodox faith.
  • Faith is an important part of everyday life, from family events to daily routines.
  • Religious holidays and customs strengthen the sense of community.

Greek Culture

  • You can see the influence of the Orthodox Church in buildings, language, and traditions.
  • Festivals such as Easter show how faith and national customs come together.
  • Teaching about religion and history helps keep the culture alive.

The church does more than guide spiritual life; it shapes the way people live and interact. Going to church is just one part of it; religion is part of everything from life’s milestones to national celebrations. Greece’s identity is rich with historical struggles, religious commitment, and a shared memory that honors the past while looking to the future. This mix of national pride, religious life and cultural heritage offers a clear picture of a society that respects its history while moving forward.

Migration and Diaspora

People from Greece who live abroad, known as the Greek diaspora, often remain closely connected to their country. They regularly send money home, which helps the Greek economy and supports their families. This giving back is an important part of Greek culture, influenced by the values taught by the Greek Orthodox Church. These actions are an important part of Greece’s recent history, showing how Greek people, no matter where they are, remain connected through their shared history of moving to new places.

The history of the Greek diaspora is an important part of Greece’s past. When times got tough, economically or politically, many Greeks moved to other countries in search of better opportunities. They established vibrant communities around the world. Even though they’re far from Greece, they don’t forget where they came from. They help with projects that make things better back in Greece and take part in cultural events that make both their new and old homes richer places.

The Diaspora has made a big difference in many areas, such as business and the arts. They act as representatives of Greek culture, sharing Greek ways of life and bringing Greeks closer together all over the world. They help build bridges between people from different places and contribute to the cultural richness of the world.

For example, Greek festivals in different cities often include traditional Greek music and dance that locals can enjoy and participate in. This not only entertains, but also educates people about Greek culture. Greek restaurants around the world serve dishes such as moussaka, greek gyros, souvlaki and baklava, introducing the flavors of Greek cuisine to new audiences and often becoming local favorites. Such activities and establishments serve as informal cultural ambassadors, spreading Greek heritage and fostering a sense of community that transcends borders.

Greeks in the 21st Century

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Today, the people of Greece are both honoring their history and adapting to today’s global trends. Greek culture is still vibrant, keeping old traditions alive while embracing new ones. Greeks use technology and the Internet to keep their language and traditions strong. Schools and universities around the world now teach modern Greek, demonstrating its importance and how it has shaped Western culture.

Greeks continue to make their mark in several areas even today:

  1. They’re creating new things in science and technology, collaborating with others around the world.
  2. In the arts and entertainment, Greek creators are gaining worldwide fame.
  3. They’re active in environmental protection, fighting to preserve Greece’s natural beauty.

Greeks honor their history while looking to the future. They play an important role in the European Union and share their culture with the world while learning from others. The spirit of Greece lives on, fueled by pride and a desire to move forward.

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