Greek (Hellenic) ethnicity is the genetic identity, culture, and heritage of people who trace their ancestry, either partially or fully, to the country of Greece. Whether living in Greece or in one of the Hellenic communities in the diaspora, people of Greek descent share a unique cultural identity and a rich history that has influenced civilization since ancient times. Today, the Greek ethnicity encompasses a rich cultural and historical heritage, a distinct language, and a shared identity rooted in ancient Greece. It is a distinctive ethnic group that continues to make a unique contribution to communities worldwide.
Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Greeks have interacted with numerous civilizations throughout history and have been influenced by a multitude of historical and cultural factors. Thus, Greek ethnicity encompasses a wide spectrum of regional variations, dialects, and cultural practices. It is a mix of traditions, customs, art, music, literature, philosophy, science, politics, and religion. The Greek Orthodox Church is the dominant religion, practiced by 90% of the population, and is constitutionally recognized as the "prevailing religion" of Greece.[1]
Due to mass emigration in the early twentieth century, Greek diaspora communities, also known collectively as Omogenia, can be found around the world, in places as diverse as the United States, South Africa, Australia, Belgium and Germany, as well as indigenous Greek communities in Albania, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Romania and Turkey. All these communities both spread and preserve Hellenic culture and traditions beyond the borders of Greece itself. Greeks, young and old, have a strong sense of pride in their history and heritage.
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History of Greek ethnicity
The history of Greek ethnicity spans thousands of years. People of Hellenic ancestry are primarily descendants of the ancient Greeks, who are acclaimed for their contributions to literature, drama, philosophy, mathematics, and democracy.
Ancient Greece (c. eighth century BCE - fourth century CE)
The history of Greek ethnicity begins in ancient times. The early Greeks, known as the Mycenaeans,[2] were a Bronze Age civilization living in the area of present-day Greece. They established city-states and developed a distinct culture, including their language and religious beliefs centered around the Olympian gods. During the Archaic and Classical periods, city-states such as Athens, Sparta, and Corinth, flourished. These city-states were characterized by their distinct political systems, cultural practices, and artistic achievements.
Hellenistic Period (323 BCE - 31 BCE)
After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE, his vast empire was divided among his generals, leading to the Hellenistic period. This era, spanning across three centuries,[3] saw the spread of Greek culture and language throughout the eastern Mediterranean, particularly in Egypt, Persia, and Central Asia. Greek became the lingua franca of the region.
Roman Rule (31 BCE -180 AD)
During the time that Greece was under Roman rule, Greek culture and ethnicity continued to flourish. Many Greeks held prominent positions within the Roman Empire. The Greek language remained widely spoken, and Greek philosophy, mythology, language, literature, and art had a significant influence on Roman society.[4]
Byzantine Empire (fourth century CE - fifteenth century CE)
The eastern part of the Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, became the center of Greek culture. The Byzantines, who considered themselves heirs of the ancient Greeks[5] as well as of the Romans,[6] preserved Greek traditions, language, culture, and identity. Greek remained the primary language and Greek Orthodoxy became the dominant religion. Scholars and theologians played a crucial role in preserving classical Greek writings which influenced the Renaissance in Western Europe.
Ottoman Rule (1453-1830)
In 1453, the Byzantine Empire fell under Ottoman rule and Greece remained part of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four hundred years. Despite oppressive subjugation, the people managed to preserve their language, identity, and culture, due in large part to efforts of the Greek Orthodox priests.
Modern Greece (nineteenth century CE – present)
The Greek War of Independence, which began in 1821, resulted in independence from the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the modern Greek state in 1830. The Greek population grew significantly through territorial expansion and the incorporation of Greek communities from other parts of the Ottoman Empire. Since then, Greece has undergone various political, social, and cultural transformations. The modern Greek society is a diverse mix of regional identities, but a common Greek ethnicity and cultural heritage continues to unite the population.
Greek culture
Greek culture includes traditions, customs, and values that have evolved over thousands of years. Greek Orthodox religious traditions, holidays, festivals, and practices are part of everyday life. Family and community hold great importance in Greek society, with close-knit relationships and strong social bonds. Greek hospitality, known as "philoxenia," is a cultural value that emphasizes generosity and warmth towards guests and strangers.
Greek cuisine is renowned worldwide, characterized by fresh ingredients, herbs, olive oil, and offers many regional specialties. Popular dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, dolmades, and baklava. The popular “Mediterranean Diet” is based on traditional Greek dietary habits. Greek music and dance reflect different regions and are influenced by Turkish and Middle Eastern music. Instruments such as the bouzouki and lyra combined with guitar, percussion, and brass instruments contribute to the unique sound of Greek music. Traditional dances incorporate lively music and intricate footwork. Each region in Greece has its own unique dances and styles, often influenced by historical, cultural, and regional factors. Greek literature includes poetry, drama, philosophy, and prose. Classics such as those by Homer (the Iliad and the Odyssey) and Sophocles (Oedipus Rex) have had a profound influence on Western literature and continue to be studied today. Greek art, which has laid the foundation for Western art, encompasses a wide range of mediums, including sculpture, pottery, painting, and architecture. Marble or limestone sculptures depict the human form and capture historical and mythical events. Pottery usually features figures painted in black or red on a terracotta background. Greek architecture is known for its three primary architectural orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Some famous examples of classic Greek architecture include the Parthenon in Athens, the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, and the Erechtheion on the Acropolis.
Greek languages
Greek is one of the oldest recorded languages still in use today. It belongs to the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European language family and has a long history dating back over 3,000 years. Modern Greek descends from ancient Greek and is the official language of Greece and Cyprus. There are various regional dialects which differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar such as Cypriot Greek (spoken in Cyprus), Pontic Greek (spoken in the Black Sea region), and Tsakonian (spoken in parts of the Peloponnese). Greek is also recognized as a minority language in Albania, Armenia, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Other languages spoken by some of the Greek population are: English, Turkish (particularly in northern Greece), Albanian, Russian, and Western European languages such as Ladino, Italian, German and French.
Explore more about Greek ethnicity
- Greece - Collection catalog at MyHeritage
- Greek-Born Adoptee’s 12-Year Odyssey Ends in Joyful Reunion with Biological Family on the MyHeritage blog
- The Secret of Ereikoussa: The reunion on the MyHeritage blog
- Ask The Expert – New Greek Records on MyHeritage - a webinar by Gregory Kontos and Carol Kostakos Petranek on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base
- Facebook Live: The Eftychia Project: Helping Greek Adoptees Find Their Birth Families on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base
- Greece’s Top 5 Types of Genealogy Records at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- An Introduction to Tracing Your Greek Ancestry at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- The Greek Ancestry YouTube channel has playlists and videos covering a wide variety of Greek genealogy topics.
References
- ↑ Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe. Pew Research Center. 10 May 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-09
- ↑ Mycenaean civilization. Encyclopeida Britannica
- ↑ The Hellenistic Period-Cultural & Historical Overview. University of Colorado
- ↑ Ancient Roman Art and Architecture. The New Book of Knowledge.
- ↑ Kazhdan, Alexander Petrovich; Constable, Giles (1982). People and Power in Byzantium: An Introduction to Modern Byzantine Studies. Washington, DC: Dumbarton Oaks. ISBN 978-0-88402-103-2
- ↑ Byzantine Empire. Encyclopedia of Humanities