Reading textbooks and other scientific publications related to history, one can often see the word “Hellenes”. As you know, the concept refers to the history of ancient Greece. This era always arouses great interest among people, since it impresses with its cultural monuments, which have survived to our time and are exhibited in many museums around the world. If we turn to the definition of a word, then the Hellenes are the name of the Greek people (as they called themselves). The name "Greeks" they received a little later.
Hellenes are ... More about the term
So, this name was given to themselves by representatives of the ancient Greek people. Many people hear this term and wonder: whom did the Greeks call the Hellenes? It turns out themselves. The word "Greeks" began to be applied to this people by the Romans when they conquered it. If we turn to the modern Russian language, then the concept of "Hellenes" is most often used to refer to the inhabitants of Ancient Greece, but the Greeks still call themselves Hellenes. Thus, the Greeks are not an outdated term, but quite modern. It is especially interesting that in the history of ancient Greece there is a period called "Hellenistic"
Concept history
Thus, the main question was considered about who the Greeks called the Hellenes. Now it’s worth a little talk about the history of this word, since it plays a big role in the formation of the term. For the first time the name "Hellenes" is found in the works of Homer. The small Hellenic tribe that lived in southern Thessaly is mentioned. Several other authors, for example, Herodotus, Thucydides and some others in their works placed them in the same locality.
In the VII century BC e. the concept of "Hellenes" is already found as the name of an entire nation. Such a description is found in the ancient Greek author Archilochus and is characterized as "the greatest people of all time."
Of particular interest is the history of Hellenism. Many magnificent works of art, such as sculptures, architectural objects, objects of decorative art, created the Hellenes. Photos of these remarkable cultural heritage sites can be seen in various materials produced by museums and their catalogs.
So, we can proceed to consider the era of Hellenism itself.
Hellenistic culture
Now it is worth considering the question regarding what Hellenism and its culture are. Hellenism is a certain period in the life of the Mediterranean. It lasted quite a long time; its beginning dates back to 323 BC. e. The Hellenistic period ended at the time of the establishment of Roman domination in the Greek territories. It is believed that this happened in 30 BC. e.
The main characteristic feature of this period is the widespread dissemination of Greek culture and language in all territories that were conquered by Alexander the Great. Also at this time, the interpenetration of Eastern culture (mainly Persian) and Greek began. In addition to these features, this time is characterized by the appearance of classical slavery.
With the beginning of the Hellenistic era, there was a gradual transition to a new political system: earlier there was a polis organization, and the monarchy replaced it. The main centers of cultural and economic life from Greece moved somewhat to Asia Minor and Egypt.
Chronology of the Hellenistic period
Of course, having designated the Hellenistic era, it is necessary to say about its development and about what stages it was divided into. In total, this period spanned 3 centuries. It would seem that by the standards of history this is not so much, but during this time the state has noticeably changed. According to some reports, the beginning of the era is considered to be 334 BC. e., that is, the year in which the campaign of Alexander the Great began. It is conditionally possible to divide the entire era into 3 periods:
- Early Hellenism: during this period, the creation of the great empire of Alexander of Macedon, then it fell apart, and Hellenistic states formed.
- Classical Hellenism: this time is characterized by political equilibrium.
- Late Hellenism: at this time, the capture of the Hellenistic world by the Romans took place.
Famous monuments of Hellenistic culture
So, questions were examined about what the term “Hellenes” means, whom they called Hellenes, and also what the Hellenistic culture is like. After the Hellenistic period, a myriad of cultural monuments remained, many of which are known throughout the world. The Hellenes are a truly unique people who created real masterpieces in the field of sculpture, architecture, literature and in many other areas.
The architecture of that period is especially characteristic of monumentality. Famous examples of Hellenistic architecture are the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Lighthouse of Alexandria and others. As for sculpture, the most famous example is the statue of Nika of Samothrace.