Why One Shouldn’t Discuss Ancient Hellenes with Modern Greeks
The modern Greek identity is a fascinating yet often misunderstood phenomenon. Many people equate today’s Greeks with the ancient Hellenes, but this notion does not hold up under closer historical scrutiny. The modern Greek nation was only “created” in the 19th century during the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire and is fundamentally different from the ancient Greek city-states such as Athens, Sparta, or Corinth.
The Artificial Creation of the Modern Greek Nation
In 1821, the Greek War of Independence began, strongly supported by European Philhellenes. These individuals, enamored with ancient Greek culture and philosophy, romantically viewed the Greeks of their time as direct descendants of the ancient Hellenes. However, this perspective was more a political construct than a historical reality, designed to legitimize the idea of an independent Greece.
The modern Greek nation was thus shaped under the significant influence of European ideals and notions of antiquity. A national narrative was crafted, asserting continuity between the ancient Hellenes and modern Greeks, despite the ethnic, cultural, and political history of the Balkans being marked by migrations, conquests, and intermixing between antiquity and modernity.
The Language of Modern Greeks: Learned, Not Inherited
A frequently overlooked aspect is the development of the modern Greek language. After independence in 1821, an archaizing form of Greek, known as Katharevousa, was introduced as the official language. This version of Greek was heavily influenced by Ancient Greek but was not the natural mother tongue of the broader population. Instead, it had to be systematically taught in schools, churches, and even through inscriptions on tiles and church buildings.
Before this, the language spoken by most Greeks under Ottoman rule consisted of regional dialects, often significantly influenced by Slavic, Albanian, and Turkish elements. It was only through the introduction of a standardized language in the 19th century that modern Greek as we know it came into being. Thus, the language that ties modern Greeks to antiquity was more constructed than inherited from the past.
Modern Greeks and Ancient Hellenes: A False Equation
The comparison between modern Greeks and ancient Hellenes is similar to that of modern Americans and the indigenous peoples of North America. Both groups inhabit the same geographical territory as their predecessors, but they share neither the same cultural nor ethnic identity. The ancient Hellenes were a collection of city-states, each with its own dialect, customs, and religious practices. Modern Greeks, on the other hand, are a modern nation shaped by a mix of cultural, religious, and historical influences.
The idea that today’s Greeks are direct descendants of the ancient Hellenes ignores the fact that Greece was under Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule for centuries. During this time, language, religion, and culture underwent significant changes. Modern Greeks are not ancient Hellenes but rather a modern European nation with a unique and complex identity.
One of the Most Modern Nations on Ancient Soil
While the modern Greek nation geographically exists on the land of ancient peoples, it is in many ways one of the most modern nations. Since its establishment in the 19th century, Greece has made significant strides in political and social reforms. Today’s Greek society is democratic, European, and globally connected—characteristics that stand in stark contrast to the city-states of antiquity.
Antiquity as a Cultural Projection
The strong emphasis on the connection to antiquity by the modern Greek nation is less a reflection of actual continuity and more a cultural projection, emerging in the context of 19th-century European Philhellenism. While the ancient Hellenes are a source of pride and inspiration, the modern Greek nation should be appreciated for what it truly is: a modern country that honors its past but lives firmly in the present.
Conclusion: The Discourse on Greeks and Hellenes
It is neither fair nor historically accurate to consider modern Greeks as direct descendants of the ancient Hellenes or to expect them to embody this identity. The modern Greek nation is the product of centuries of transformation, migration, and cultural blending. It is proud of its connection to antiquity but equally proud of being a modern, independent nation.
The equation of modern Greeks with ancient Hellenes is not only anachronistic but also oversimplifies the complex reality of Greek history. Instead, we should respect Greece for its modern identity and acknowledge that the nation today exists not just on historical soil but also as a bridge between past and present.
https://academic.oup.com/book/11484
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-review/article/role-of-archaeology-in-forming-greek-national-identity-and-its-embodiment-in-european-identity/06101CF6578DAD6337B3E3A449552257
https://www.academia.edu/45448865/The_Paradox_of_Greek_Nationalism_and_the_Construction_of_the_Modern_Greek_National_Identity
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