Hellenes are ... Description, history and culture of the Hellenes

Reading textbooks and other scientific publications related to the history, you 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, because it impresses with its monuments of culture, which have survived to our time and are exhibited in many museums around the world. If we turn to the definition of the 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 ... Read more about the term

So, this name was given to itself by representatives of the ancient Greek people. Many people hear this term and ask themselves: whom did the Greeks call Hellenes? It turns out that they are themselves. The word "Greeks" began to apply to this people the Romans, when they conquered it. If you turn to the modern Russian language, then the term "Hellenes" is most often used to refer to the inhabitants of ancient Greece, but the Greeks still call themselves Hellenes. Thus, the Hellenes are not an outdated term, but quite modern. It is especially interesting that in the history of Ancient Greece there is a period that was called "Hellenistic"

History of the concept

Thus, the main question was considered about who the Greeks called the Hellenes. Now it is worth a little talk about the history of this word, as 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. A small tribe of Hellenes, who 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" already occurs as the name of an entire nation. Such a description is found in the ancient Greek author of Archilochus and is described as "the greatest people of all time".

Of particular interest is the history of Hellenism. A lot of magnificent works of art, such as sculptures, architectural objects, objects of decorative and applied art created Hellenes. Photos of these remarkable objects of cultural heritage can be seen in various materials produced by museums and their catalogs.

So, you can go to the very era of Hellenism.

Hellenistic culture

Now it is worth considering the question of what is Hellenism and its culture. Hellenism is a certain period of the life of the Mediterranean. It lasted quite a long time, its beginning dates back to 323 BC. E. The Hellenistic period was over when the Roman domination was established on Greek territories. It is believed that this happened in 30 BC. E.

The main characteristic feature of this period is the ubiquitous distribution of Greek culture and language in all territories that Alexander the Great conquered. 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, a gradual transition to a new political system took place: there was a polis organization before, and a monarchy replaced it. The main centers of cultural and economic life from Greece moved 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 subdivided. 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 changed noticeably. 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. Conditionally it is possible to divide the whole epoch into 3 periods:

• Early Hellenism: during this period the creation of the great empire of Alexander the Great took place, then it disintegrated, and Hellenistic states were formed.
• Classical Hellenism: this time is characterized by political equilibrium.
• Late Hellenism: at this time there was a seizure of the Hellenistic world by the Romans.

Famous monuments of Hellenistic culture

So, questions have been considered about what the term "Hellenes" means, who were called Hellenes, and also what is Hellenistic culture. After the Hellenistic period, a myriad of cultural monuments remained, many of which are known throughout the world. Hellenes are truly unique people, who created real masterpieces in the field of sculpture, architecture, literature and in many other spheres.

For architecture of that period, monumentality is especially characteristic. Known examples of the architecture of Hellenism - the temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Alexandria lighthouse and others. As for the sculpture, the most famous example is the statue of Nicky of Samothrace.