Many Greeks do not call themselves Greeks. They preserve long-standing traditions and call their country Hellas, and themselves Hellenes. The very concept of “Greece” comes from a Latin word. A small place in the northeastern part of the country was called Greece several centuries BC. But later this name spread throughout the state. For some reason, they are called Greeks in most countries of the world, and the inhabitants of this country themselves imagined themselves to be Hellenes in Hellas.
Where did the name "Hellas" come from?
In ancient times, not all of Greece was called Hellas. Now cultural scientists associate this name exclusively with Ancient Greece. In journalism, and indeed in scientific literature, the word “Hellenes” is constantly used. Hellas and Greece are identical concepts. Modern Greece did not always have the same boundaries. Territorial boundaries have changed over the centuries. Now some part of Greece belongs to the Turkish state, another to Italy. The lands occupied in ancient times by Italy passed to Greece. Undoubtedly, the civilization that is part of Europe today began a long time ago. Scientists call the most ancient times - Antiquity. If we translate this word into Russian from Latin, we get the term “antiquity.” Scientists associate both Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome with Antiquity. Researchers are accustomed to calling the north of the Mediterranean also ancient, together with North Africa, some part of Asia, all of Europe. The places where today scientists find imprints of Greek and Hellenic civilization are usually considered to be the heritage of European and Greek culture.
Greece. Where is this, what country is it?
The southern part of the Balkans is Greece. People in this state are accustomed to valuing their wealth. Among them are not only minerals, but also water resources. The country is washed by the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas. Water element Greece is beautiful. Picturesque seascapes, delightful island part. The lands of this state are fertile, but there is very little land. It is always dry and hot here, which at any time favored livestock rather than crop production.
Ancient myths gave the basis for the cultural traditions of this country. So, Pandora, who gave birth to several children, was married to the Supreme Thunderer Zeus. One of the sons was named Grekos. Two more - Macedon and Magnis. All historians unanimously say that Greece was named after the eldest son of Zeus. Grekos inherited courage, belligerence, and bravery from his father. But at first, only one of the areas in the north-west of Athens was called Greece.
The eldest son of the supreme celestials never sat still. He traveled a lot, not for the sake of conquest, but more for the founding of new cities on empty lands. This is how a number of states appeared in Asia Minor. Grecos formed colonies in Italy. He took control of almost the entire Apennine Peninsula. It is known that the inhabitants of Italy called the townspeople ruled by Grekos Greeks. Other researchers believe that Greece is a Roman term, and the Greeks themselves called themselves Hellenes.
But the word “Greece” was well entrenched in the minds of foreigners, so much so that to this day few foreigners do not think of officially calling the Greeks Hellenes. This concept is typical only for scientific world cultural scientists, historians and Greek scholars. Even Aristotle wrote that the Hellenes did not always call themselves that. There is evidence that in ancient times they were called Greeks. Here, apparently, Ancient Greek mythology makes itself felt. Later the Greeks had a ruler named Hellenes. Allegedly, after the name of the king, they called themselves Hellenes. But this is just another theory that has the right to life.
Let's take a look at Homer's poem Iliad. In the part where the Greeks’ campaign against Troy is described, there is a mention that among the alien warriors from almost the same region, there were those who called themselves residents of the city of Gray (Greeks) and Hellenes (from a place in Thessaly). All of them, without exception, were strong and courageous. There is another speculation about the origin of the concept of “Hellenes”. There is evidence that there were once several policies and cities in the possessions of Achilles. One of them was called Hellas. And the Hellenes could have come from there. The writer Pausanias mentioned in his works that Greya was a fairly large city. And Thucydides spoke about Farrow as about Gray. That's what they called him before. Aristotle says that even before the inhabitants of present-day Greece began to be called Greeks, they called themselves that in the pre-Hellenic period.
As a result of simple conclusions, we can say that the Greeks and Hellenes are 2 tribes that existed in the neighborhood or practically on the same territory, and arose in approximately the same period of time. Perhaps they fought among themselves, and someone became stronger. As a result, culture and traditions were borrowed. Or perhaps they lived in peace and subsequently united. Scientists say that both the Hellenes and the Greeks existed until the adoption of Christianity. Later, people who did not want to become followers of the new religion were still called Hellenes (they were more “friends” with the gods of Olympus and the thunderer Zeus), and adherents of Christianity were called Greeks. Researchers believe that the term “Hellene” means “idolater.”
Modern painting
Outside of Greece, it is still called differently. The inhabitants themselves now call themselves Greeks, the country - Hellas with the Hellenic language, sometimes Greece. However, all Europeans are accustomed to alternating names. In the Russian understanding, Hellas is Ancient Greece. Residents are Greeks. Language – Greek. In almost all European and Russian languages, Greece and Hellas have similar sounds and pronunciations. The East calls the inhabitants of this country differently. In some cases, the names change dramatically. Among them:
- Jonan.
- Yavana (in Sanskrit).
- Yavanim (Hebrew).
These names come from the concept of “Ionians” - residents and migrants from the coast of the Ionian Sea. According to another theory, Ion was the ruler of the Greek islands. This is what the Persians, Turks, Jordanians, and Iranians called the inhabitants of Hellas and the coastal islands. According to another version, “ionan” are rounded headdresses that Greeks still wear to this day to protect themselves from the sun’s rays. The inhabitants of the East were the first to notice this, and now they call the Greeks Ionans. The practice of Georgians regarding the perception of Greeks is interesting. Georgians call the Hellenes “berdzeni”. In their language, this concept means “wisdom.” There are nationalities that call the Greeks “Romios”, since a large period of the life of this state is associated with the history of the Roman Empire.
The experience of the Russians is noteworthy. The ancient Rosichi people never forgot the phrase “The path from the Varangians to the Greeks...”. The foundations of the Greek culture of that period, when the main trade routes intersected with Russia, will never be forgotten, since they are reflected in the folk epic of the Slavs. At that time they were called Hellenes in Europe, but in Russia they are Greeks. However, scientists believe that the Greeks were the traders. The goods arrived in Russia from Byzantium, which was populated by people from Greece. They were Christians and brought the foundations of their faith and culture to the Rosichi people.
And today in Russian schools they study the legends and myths of Ancient Greece, the history and culture of Greece and Rome. In Russia it is customary to refer to the inhabitants of this country as “Greeks”. This country has always been proud of its talented poets, historians, architects, sculptors, athletes, sailors, and philosophers. All figures left an indelible mark on the minds of researchers and scientists around the world. Greece influenced the development of the culture of Europe and even the countries of Asia and the East.
Modern researchers have found evidence that the Greeks called certain “graiks”. This is the Illyrian people. According to mythology, the progenitor of this nation was named “Greek”. The concept of “Hellenism” began to revive by the beginning of the 19th century among the Greek intelligentsia. Over time, the assertion that the Greeks are not Greeks spread to the broad masses.
As soon as the Greeks did not call themselves and heard different addresses addressed to them. The reason for everything is the origin of nationalities, linguistic dogmas, customs, and traditions. Achaeans, Dorians, Ionians, Hellenes or Greeks? Nowadays, the inhabitants of this country have quite diverse roots and have the right to name themselves, according to the legends and myths that have developed in some areas.
Abacus calculations in Ancient Greece.
Abacus (ancient Greek ἄβαξ, ἀβάκιον, lat. abacus - board) is a counting board used for arithmetic calculations from approximately the 5th century BC. e. in Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome. The ancient period is a conventional period of historical time that covers the period from 1 thousand years BC to the 1st millennium AD. Historians mark this era as the heyday of the slave system, which replaced the primitive communal one.
Temple of Zeus
Zeus – Olympian god, the thunderstorm of all, the thunderer, to whom statues, bas-reliefs, temples are dedicated, this is one of the most wrathful Greek deities. It was in his honor that the largest temple throughout the country was erected. In ancient times, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was more majestic than the Parthenon itself. It was in it that once there were gilded ivory sculptures that emphasized the status of Zeus and his divine origin.
The Cyclades are the largest group of islands in the Aegean Sea. Their name is derived from the ancient Greek word “kyuklos” (circle), or more precisely from the adjective “kyuklis” (round). Literally translated, the toponym means “lying in a circle,” although a more poetic perception is possible: “dancing in a circle.”
Lefkada. Exotic Greek island of Lefkada.
Kastoria, fur city
The name Kastoria comes from the word kastoras, which means BEAVER in Greek. This is a large trading city. For many centuries, Kastoria was famous for its fur traders. A visitor to the city cannot help but notice the noise of sewing machines that comes from every house. Kastoria is located 50 miles from the Albanian border in a remote corner of northwestern Greece. It is a cosmopolitan city. The location of Kastoria is nothing short of impressive. Surrounded high mountains Pindus, narrow streets and countless alleys are characteristic of the city located on Lake Orestiada.
Ancient Greece (Hellas, Greek Ἑλλάς) is the historical name of the first of two ancient civilizations (the second is Ancient), as well as the region in which this civilization was formed. G.D. made a colossal contribution to the historical development of mankind and became, in fact, the foundation of all subsequent Western civilizations. The main territory of G.D. was the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula (Balkan Greece), washed from the south by the Mediterranean, from the west by the Ionian and from the east by the Aegean seas, and limited in the north by mountain ranges. Geographically, Balkan Greece is divided into three large regions: Northern. Greece, Central Greece and South. Greece (Peloponnese). An integral part of the G.D. were, in addition, numerous islands of the Aegean Sea (Archipelago), as well as the western coast of Asia Minor. The following periodization of the history of G.D. seems to be the most acceptable: 1) (not considered here, since it belongs to the period before the emergence of civilizations); 2) Aegean cultures of the 3rd millennium BC. e.; 3) Cretan-Mycenaean civilization of the 2nd millennium BC. e.; 4) the beginning of the Iron Age (“Dark Ages”, “Homeric period”, XI-IX centuries BC); 5) archaic era (VIII-VII centuries BC); 6) classical era (V-IV centuries BC); 7) Hellenistic era (late IV - I centuries BC); 8) Greece under Roman rule (1st century BC - 5th century AD). Natural conditions and. The uniqueness of the geographical location of G.D. is due to the enormous role of the sea. The heavily indented coastline, the abundance of peninsulas, bays, convenient harbors (especially on the eastern coast), the chains of islands stretching across the Aegean Sea, which served as convenient landmarks and intermediate stopover sites, were factors in the highest development of navigation and the early exploration of new lands by the Greeks. Greece is a very mountainous country. The mountains, occupying about 80% of its territory, are mostly low (the highest peak is Olympus, 2918 m), but steep and difficult to pass; they defended the country well from external invasions, but at the same time, throughout its history, they contributed to the political fragmentation of the Greeks. From minerals and other natural resources, iron (Laconica), copper (Euboea), silver (Attica), marble (Paros, Attica), timber (Northern Greece), valuable varieties of clay (almost everywhere); practically absent. Greece is poor in fresh water: the rivers, with minor exceptions (Aheloy, Pentheus), are low-water, often dry up in summer, and there are few lakes (the largest is Lake Copaides in Boeotia). The climate is dry Mediterranean subtropics, the soils are rocky, infertile and difficult to cultivate. Cereal cultivation gave sufficient results only in certain regions (Boeotia, Laconia, Messinia); Viticulture and olive growing were more effective. The presence of humans was recorded on the territory of Greece already during the Paleolithic period, then the Neolithic period. However, the situation in the region becomes more or less clear only in the 3rd millennium BC. e. From the turn of the 3rd-2nd millennium BC. e. Greeks (Hellenes) - of Indo-European origin, who previously lived in the Danube lowland - begin to invade Greece. In the 2nd millennium BC. e. the division of the Greeks into several tribal groups (sub-ethnic groups) that spoke different dialects of the ancient Greek language was recorded. During this period, the leading role among them was played by the tribal group of the Achaeans, who settled mainly in the Peloponnese. Therefore, in Homer’s poems the name “Achaeans” (as well as “Danaans”) is often used to refer to all Greeks. Other important tribal groups of this time were the Aeolians. In the 2nd millennium BC. e. The Greeks conquered the islands of the Aegean Sea and the western coast of Asia Minor. End of the 2nd millennium BC e. became the time of resettlement to Greece of the last wave of Greek tribes: it was invaded from the north of the Balkan Peninsula. As a result of these events, the ethnic map of Greece was formed, which remained virtually unchanged throughout the ancient era. inhabited most of the Peloponnese, Crete, the islands of the southern Aegean Sea and the extreme southeastern tip of Asia Minor. The habitats of the Ionians were Attica, the islands of the central Aegean Sea and Ionia on the Asia Minor coast. The tribes of the Aeolian group lived in Boeotia, Thessaly, on the northern islands of the Aegean Sea and in the Asia Minor Aeolis. The remnants of the Achaean population were pushed into the mountainous regions of the central Peloponnese (Arcadia), as well as into Cyprus. The western regions of the Peloponnese, Central and Northern Greece were occupied by smaller tribal groups that stood closest to the Dorians. Already by the time of Homer, despite the political fragmentation, the ethnic and cultural community of all Greeks had emerged. Gradually, the common self-name “Hellenes” came into use, initially applied to only one northern Greek tribe. Aegean cultures of the 3rd millennium BC. e. “Aegean cultures” is the general name used in science for the complex of pre-Greek civilizations (more precisely, proto-civilizations) that existed in the 3rd millennium BC. e. in the Aegean Sea basin. The most important of them: the Cycladic culture (on the Cyclades islands in the central part of the Aegean Sea), the early culture of Troy (Troy II), the culture of the islands of the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea (Lemnos, Lesbos, Chios), the early Helladic culture of Balkan Greece (Lerna and etc.) and the early Minoan culture of Crete. This entire circle of cultures was created by the pre-Greek population of the Aegean (the exact ethnicity in most cases is impossible to determine, but it is undoubtedly, in particular, that the Pelasgians took part in the formation of the cultural centers of Balkan Greece). For the development of Aegean cultures in the 3rd millennium BC. e. Characterized by the emergence of important skills and techniques of craft production (making ceramics on a potter's wheel, building houses and fortress walls from raw brick and stone, shipbuilding, metalworking), the transition from monocultural to polycultural agriculture, rapid population growth, the emergence of property differentiation of society, the activation trade contacts both within the region and beyond, the emergence of proto-cities, the high level of certain types of art. The Cycladic culture (c. 2700 - 2200 BC) is particularly expressive. Although they did not achieve major successes in monumental construction (small unfortified settlements with modest stone buildings of rectangular or rounded shape), the Cycladians at the same time were ahead of other cultures of the then Aegean in many other respects. They had a highly developed handicraft industry (jewelry, stone processing, shipbuilding), and sailed throughout the Aegean Sea, and possibly beyond its borders. Cycladic art is extremely original, the most famous works of which are marble statues and figurines of various sizes (Cycladic idols), as well as ornamented ceramic vessels. The Cycladic civilization ceased to exist under unclear circumstances (due to internal rather than external reasons); she influenced the formation of the Cretan-Mycenaean. By the end of the 3rd millennium BC. e. Almost all the cultures of the Aegean basin ceased to exist under insufficiently clear circumstances (as far as one can judge, both internal and external in nature; a certain role, in particular, was to be played by the first wave of Greeks in Greece), without having a significant impact on the further historical destinies of the region and leaving virtually no traces in the ancient tradition. Only the Early Minoan culture of Crete survived and formed the basis of the Bronze Age, which developed in the Aegean Sea basin in the 2nd millennium BC. e. Cretan-Mycenaean civilization of the 2nd millennium BC. e. This civilization, immediately preceding the Greek I millennium BC. e. and in a number of respects influenced the formation of the latter (although it did not yet have an ancient character in the proper sense of the word, that is, a polis character), is clearly divided into two stages. In essence, it makes more sense to even talk about two civilizations, although related to each other: Cretan (pre-Greek) and Mycenaean, or Achaean (Greek). The Cretan (or Minoan, after the legendary Cretan king Minos) civilization was created by the pre-Greek population of the island. Crete, the so-called Minoans. The memory of this was reflected in the cycle of Greek myths about Minos, the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, and it itself was discovered at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. A. Evans, who carried out excavations of the palace in Knossos, the largest center of Crete. Subsequently, archaeologists discovered a number of palaces in other parts of the island (in Phaistos, Mallia, Kato Zakro). The convenient position of Crete at the intersection of sea routes connecting Greece with Asia Minor, Syria and the North. Africa, was one of the reasons that it formed a full-fledged country earlier than in mainland Greece, which was strongly influenced by the civilizations of the ancient Near East and Aegean cultures. Already in the 3rd millennium BC. e. the production of copper and then bronze was mastered, the “Mediterranean triad” (cereals, grapes, olives) became the basis of agriculture, the potter’s wheel, the art of shipbuilding and navigation appeared; at the turn of the 3rd-2nd millennium BC. e. the first states arose. These were the so-called palace kingdoms: administrative and religious centers, as well as food warehouses, were palaces - colossal complexes with tens and hundreds of chaotically located rooms, possibly accommodating thousands of inhabitants. The private lived in a rural district; it supplied the products of its labor to the palaces, and also performed various duties. Little is known about the state structure of the Cretan kingdoms. According to many scientists, they were theocracies: he was both a secular and spiritual ruler, a high priest, and perhaps he was even deified. From the XVII-XVI centuries. BC e. Crete became a single state with its capital at Knossos. The “thalassocracy” (maritime dominion) of Crete dates back to this time: having created a powerful fleet, the Cretans dominated the coasts and islands of the Aegean Sea, exacting tribute from their inhabitants. Complete safety from external invasions determined the unique fact for antiquity that Cretan palaces did not have fortifications. Cretan culture reached a very high level. There was - at the beginning hieroglyphic, and then syllabic (linear A). Art achieved outstanding success: (palace complexes), sculpture (graceful faience figurines of gods and goddesses) and especially (frescoes on the walls of the interior chambers of palaces, paintings of vessels). In the 15th century BC e. the Cretan civilization suddenly and under not entirely clear circumstances ceased to exist. According to the most likely hypothesis, main role At the same time, a grandiose natural disaster played a role - the eruption of a giant volcano on the island. Fera (modern Santorini). The Mycenaean (Achaean) civilization is the first civilization created by the Greeks. It arose as a result of the arrival of the first wave of Greek tribes to the Balkan Peninsula from the north (at the turn of the 3rd-2nd millennium BC), the leading role among which was played by the Achaean tribal group. The local pre-Greek was assimilated. After several centuries of stagnation caused by invasion and wars, from the 16th century. BC e. An economic and cultural upswing began in G. D. (the appearance of the potter's wheel; in military affairs - the introduction of war chariots; the emergence of an aristocratic stratum - leaders and priests). A number of state formations emerged that took the form of palace kingdoms (which was an administrative and cultural center, as well as a food warehouse, and a rural district). The largest Greek states of this era were Mycenae, Tiryns, Pylos and others in the Peloponnese, Athens, Thebes, Orkhomenos in Central Greece, Iolkos in Northern. Greece. At its peak, the Mycenaean civilization covered most of the territory of Balkan Greece and many islands of the Aegean Sea. At the beginning of its history, it experienced a strong influence from developed Crete, from where many cultural elements were borrowed (a number of religious cults, frescoes, clothing styles, etc.). In the 15th century BC e., after the decline of Crete, the Achaean Greeks captured and settled Crete, and then founded a number of cities on west coast Asia Minor. They reigned supreme in the Aegean Sea, sailed throughout Mediterranean Sea(Mycenaean settlements existed in Cyprus, Syria, Southern Italy, Sicily), maintained contacts with major centers of the Ancient East (most notably with the Hittite power). The peak of the Achaean expansion was the Trojan War (beginning of the 12th century BC). The palace kingdoms of Mycenaean Greece led an independent existence, often going to war with each other, and only occasionally, for large joint military enterprises, united into alliances, usually under the leadership of Mycenae. Each state was headed by (anakt); The military and priestly nobility played an important role. The Achaean kingdoms were characterized by the presence of an extensive bureaucratic apparatus (governors of districts, lower local officials - basilei, etc.), which was in charge of the functioning of the palace economy. Peasants and artisans, under the control of officials, paid taxes and performed various duties for the benefit of the palace. In the economy of the palaces, the labor of slaves (mainly women and children) was used on a fairly significant scale. The presence of centralized palace households makes Mycenaean civilization similar to the societies of the Ancient East. The culture of Mycenaean Greece reached a high level. Based on the Cretan writing (Linear A) was created in Greek(linear B). Examples of the skill of Achaean architects and engineers are the palaces in Greek cities of the 2nd millennium BC. e., more orderly in layout than the Cretan ones (they usually contain), having a powerful fortification system, as well as monumental domed tombs of the kings. The wall frescoes of the Mycenaean Greeks are drier, stricter, static-monumental than the Cretan ones. During the Mycenaean era, many Greek myths arose, and an epic began to take shape. The prototypes of many Greek mythological characters were the real rulers of the Achaean kingdoms. By the end of the 12th century. BC e. Mycenaean civilization fell into decline, which led to the loss of statehood, basic production skills and technical devices. The collapse of the Mycenaean Empire is usually associated with the invasion of the Dorians, who destroyed the Achaean kingdoms; however, in reality we should talk about a complex set of reasons of a different nature (mass movements of peoples in the Eastern Mediterranean, conflicts between the Mycenaean states, which led to their exhaustion, natural disasters, the internal fragility of the palace kingdoms, which gave rise to a systemic crisis). Beginning of the Iron Age. XI-IX centuries BC e. in ancient Greek history, Western history is often defined as the “dark ages” (due to the general regression characteristic of this time, as well as due to the lack of contemporary written sources); in Russian antiquity, it more often appears as the “Homeric period” (due to the fact that the main information about it has to be drawn from Homer’s poems, although they acquired their final form later). However, judging by the research data of recent decades, the decline was by no means unconditional and total. In particular, it was at this time that iron mining and processing technology penetrated into G.D., which gradually raised economic development to a fundamentally new level ( Agriculture, crafts) and military affairs. Iron did not replace bronze immediately; it was a long, gradual process. At first they began to make tools from the new metal, and later - tools. Strictly speaking, bronze did not completely go out of use until the end of Antiquity. In particular, statues were made from it. And in military affairs, although offensive equipment (swords, spearheads) eventually became iron, (helmets, armor, leggings) remained bronze. And yet, the development of iron significantly changed the economic situation in G.D. There were several reasons for this. First, iron is a common metal; There are much more iron ore deposits in the world than copper ore. This was the case in G.D. Therefore, with the development of iron, the metal penetrated much more widely than before into all aspects of life. Secondly, good bronze requires tin, but it was not mined in G.D.; it had to be imported through intermediaries from distant countries (even from Britain). There were no such problems with iron. Its production was cheaper than the production of bronze. Thirdly (and this is most important), iron is a much harder and more durable metal than bronze. Both iron and iron plow parts served longer, more reliably and more efficiently than bronze ones. This made it possible, among other things, to make the plowing of fields deeper and more efficient. Labor productivity in agriculture began to grow, yields increased, food became better, and this led to rapid demographic growth, the emergence of surplus food, resources of free time appeared, which previously had to be spent on the struggle for existence, but now could be devoted, for example, political life or cultural leisure. Thus, the development of iron production and processing became one of the important material prerequisites for the “Greek miracle,” although, of course, it is impossible to reduce everything only to this factor. The country’s isolation from the main world did not become complete, as previously thought; so, sailors o. The Euboians continued to maintain ties with the civilizations of the Middle East. In the most developed regions of G.D. (Eubea, Ionia, etc.), the first steps towards the formation of a polis system are being outlined, and protopolises are appearing. Important information about this is provided archaeological excavations in Attica and Euboea; In the latter, the village of Levkandi (modern name), unusually rich by the standards of the “dark ages,” is especially indicative. The syllabary ending in Achaean (Mycenaean) has disappeared almost everywhere (with the exception of Cyprus). However, apparently, already at the end of the 9th century. BC e. the Greeks again found, this time alphabetical. Greek, which formed the basis of all European alphabets that still exist today, was formed under the influence of the Phoenician proto-alphabetic letter. Due to the lack of writing during this period of ancient Greek history, there was no literature. However, folklore became increasingly rich; it continued the formation of the epic, which later culminated in the appearance of the Homeric poems in their final form. and sculpture in general were in decline; at the same time, the art of vase painting is characterized by dynamics: the Submycenaean style was replaced by protogeometric, and this latter by geometric, the first of the great ancient vase painting styles. This period would most legitimately be designated as transitional. It was at this time that the “vector” of historical development in G.D. radically changed: a society that was typologically homogeneous with the ancient Eastern ones began to be replaced by a civilization of a completely different appearance, which became the first civilization of the Western type. The archaic era (VIII-VI centuries BC) became one of most important periods history of G. D., the time of the most intensive development of ancient Greek. The set of large-scale and radical changes in all areas of life of this era is often called the “archaic revolution.” Among the new phenomena characteristic of the archaic period is a sharp increase in population, which led in some areas (Isthmus, Euboea, Ionia) to overpopulation and land famine. The latter became one of the most important reasons for the unique phenomenon of the Great Greek Colonization, during which the Greeks covered with a network of their cities and settlements most of the Mediterranean and all Black Sea coast , dramatically expanding the scope of its ethnic and cultural area. In the economic field, decisive changes occurred in the development of crafts (significant improvement in the quality of metalworking, the discovery of welding and brazing of iron, steel production; an exceptionally high level of construction and shipbuilding) and trade, including foreign trade. These innovations led to overcoming the isolation of Greek communities, to fully restoring ties with the civilizations of the Ancient East, and to the emergence of Greece from the cultural isolation of the 11th-9th centuries. BC e. The development of trade and commodity relations also led to the emergence of money in the form of minted coins. Crafts and trade separated from agriculture, and a special layer of professional artisans and merchants emerged. In G. D. of the archaic period, cities of the ancient type first appeared, performing simultaneously the functions of an administrative, religious and trade and craft center of the adjacent rural district and possessing two of the most significant points - the acropolis and the agora. Important changes occurred in military and naval affairs (the invention of hoplite armor and weapons, the creation of the phalanx, the construction of the first triremes). The crowning achievements of the 8th-6th centuries in G.D. BC e. The change was the repeated (after the Cretan-Mycenaean era) formation of the state, but this time not in the form of palace kingdoms, but in the form of poleis. It was the archaic era that became the time of birth of the polis, which determined the specificity and unique appearance of ancient Greek history. At the beginning of the archaic era, the leading role in Greek society was played undividedly, to which all levers of power belonged. Ordinary citizens of the policies () were in varying degrees of dependence on the aristocrats. However, gradually the nobility began to lose its position. After the abolition of debt bondage in most policies, a system of classical ancient slavery began to form. The archaic era was a time of brutal internal conflicts, often resulting in long civil wars. To end the unrest, many policies were forced to elect mediators-conciliators, who assumed power for a certain period of time and carried out reforms, leading all segments of the population to a compromise, restoring stability in the civil community. The most important result of the activities of the conciliators was the appearance in a number of advanced policies of the first sets of written laws, replacing the previously existing oral ones. At the same time, civil conflicts led in many cities to the establishment of regimes of individual power - tyrannies, which, however, by the end of the archaic era were almost universally eliminated. Some of the most highly developed policies (in particular, Athens) naturally came to radical political reforms at the very end of the archaic era, which marked the emergence of democracy. During the same period, the militarized, somewhat totalitarian state structure of Sparta took its final form. Very complex processes that had major consequences took place during the archaic period in the sphere of culture. In the Greek mentality of these centuries, a polis system of values took shape with its collectivism and local patriotism, but at the same time individualistic tendencies grew and the importance of the individual increased. The archaic religion was characterized, on the one hand, by the enormous authority of the sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi, which preached the ideals of moderation and self-restraint, on the other, by the emergence of a number of mystical cults and movements (the veneration of Dionysus, the Eleusinians, the activities of Orphic and Pythagorean circles). The archaic era dates back to the emergence in G.D. - for the first time in the history of mankind - of philosophy as an independent cultural phenomenon, independent of religion. Alphabetic writing became widespread; in the field of literature, the epic (, Hesiod) was replaced by lyric poetry (a number of outstanding poets worked in this genre - Archilochus, Solon, Alcaeus, Sappho, etc.), and the first works in prose appeared. Art developed rapidly: an order system developed in architecture, the Doric and Ionic orders were formed, the main type of temple was adopted, religious buildings were created throughout the Greek world, including huge ones (some temples of Ionia and Magna Graecia exceeded 100 m in length) ; in round sculpture, two main types of statues were practiced (and), the sculptural decoration of temples (mainly reliefs) was more varied; in vase painting at the beginning of the archaic era dominated, in the 7th century. BC e. it was replaced by orientalizing styles in the 6th century. BC e. became the time of birth of the black-figure style, and then the red-figure style, which became the highest achievement of ancient vase painting. In the archaic era, Greece caught up and overtook the countries of the Ancient East in its development and found itself in first place among the civilizations of the world of that time. The classical era (V-IV centuries BC) is the time of the highest flowering of the ancient Greek, the maximum development of the polis system. The beginning of this era is marked by the Greco-Persian wars, which lasted about half a century (500-449 BC) and ended with the victory of the Greek city-states over the power of the Achaemenid power. This was the beginning of the grandiose political and cultural rise of G.D., and created the largest city states (primarily Athens and Sparta) a well-deserved reputation as powers of world importance. During the Greco-Persian Wars, the First was created (in 478 BC), which was reborn around 454 BC. e. into the Athenian Arche - a military-political association of a new type for G.D. Mid-5th century BC e. passed under the sign of intensifying rivalry between the Athenian arche and the Peloponnesian League, and in fact, between their leaders - Athens and Sparta - for hegemony in Germany. The political development of this time was characterized by the formation and development of a democratic form of government in a number of the most advanced policies; most a shining example what is classical Athens in the era of Pericles. Economic growth was expressed in the progressive intensification of handicraft production and trade, including foreign trade, and in the increasing role of classical slavery. The mentality of the Greeks of the 5th century. BC e. distinguished by historical optimism, polis collectivism and patriotism, simple and strong religiosity. In the field of culture, a number of masterpieces of world significance were created: the Greek theater reached its highest development (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides), sculpture (Myron, Polykleitos, Phidias), (Polygnotus,) . Philosophy, as in the archaic era, dealt primarily with the problems of the origin of the world and the laws governing it (Anaxagoras, Democritus, etc.); Of the individual sciences, medicine (Hippocrates and his school) reached a high level (Herodotus). In general, Greek culture of the 5th century. BC e. was distinguished by its desire for integrity, synthesis, and the creation of grandiose imaginative systems with the help various means expressiveness, which was embodied with maximum force in the tragedy of this time. The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), which became a natural result of the Athenian-Spartan confrontation, proceeded with varying degrees of success, but ultimately ended with the victory of Sparta and the defeat of Athens, marked the beginning of the general crisis of the classical Greek polis and the system of interpolis relations, which continued in throughout the 4th century. BC e. and who prepared the preconditions for the Hellenistic era. At the foreign policy level, the crisis was expressed in the general weakening of most policies, accompanied by frequent diplomatic interventions of Persia in Greek affairs (Corinthian War 395-387 BC, Antalcids 387 BC), almost constant internecine wars, the unsuccessful struggle of Sparta, Athens , Thebes for hegemony (until 371 BC, G. D. was the hegemon, after the Battle of Leuctra, Thebes took over this status, but after the death "
04.06.2015
Under the general name - Ancient Greece or Hellas - united numerous states that existed in the south of the Balkans, the Aegean Islands, the Thracian coast, the western coastline of Asia in the period from 3-2 millennia to 100 years. BC.
The social system of Greece during this long period underwent various changes - from simple tribal relationships to the formation of vast policies that owned colonies, with developed culture and art, trade relations, science, politics and special religious beliefs. The ethnic composition of countries was constantly changing. So in Hellas in the 3000s. BC. The Leleges and Pelasgians prevailed, but they were gradually supplanted by the proto-Greek tribes of the Ionians and Achaeans. The later developed Achaean and Ionian states collapsed after the Dorian invasion.
The political system of Hellas
By the 6th century BC. Ancient Greece was inhabited by three powerful ethnic groups - the Aeolians in the northern territories, the Dorians in the center, the Ionians in Attica and on numerous Aegean islands. City-states were formed, and it was in them that social principles arose and were improved, which became the basis for the future European civilization .
In just over 200 years - from the 8th to the 6th centuries. BC.- Hellas became the vanguard of culture, science, and arts for the whole world.
The center of Ancient Greece was considered Athens with the predominance of democratic trends in the state structure. Other policies are also known, such as Sparta or Laconica, where the social system was headed by oligarchs, and a paramilitary regime with a cult of a physically perfect body was introduced among the population. In Athens, Corinth, Thebes Slavery became widespread, which was then a sign of the high economic status of city-policies.
Controversies constantly arose between the policies based on competition in trade relations and power. This regularly led to military conflicts, with clashes occurring mainly between Athens and other cities. In addition to internal clashes, the ancient Greek city-states constantly defended themselves from external enemies. 5th-6th centuries BC. characterized by wars with Persia - the ancient Greek states united in Delian League, of which Athens was elected head.
In 400 Macedonia reached high prosperity. The father of the future legendary commander, King Philip II, subjugated the country after the victory at Chaeronea, when the troops of the coalition of Greek city-states were defeated. Alexander the Great subsequently created a huge state, expanded by numerous colonies on the territory of conquered Persia and Egypt, but his power was short-lived. The vast empire quickly disintegrated after the death of the king, but it was then that science, art and advanced political ideas spread from ancient Greece to the developed states of the era.
Ancient Rome, its legislation, culture were based on the ancient Greek principles of social relations, continued and developed the traditions that began in Athens, the main city of Hellas. In the 30s 1st century BC Hellas became a region of the Roman Empire, almost 5 centuries later Greece formed the core of the eastern part of Rome - Byzantium.
Culture of Ancient Greece
Ancient art arose and took shape in the ancient Greek city-states, when the rest of Europe was under the rule of barbarian tribes. Ancient Greek craftsmen had access to various crafts, which gradually developed into the highest forms of art - sculpture, architecture, painting, music, theater and choreography, rhetoric, philosophy and poetry.
The culture of Greece was far from homogeneous throughout the vast territory of Hellas. Crafts and culture, worldview and philosophical movements were formed under the influence of ideas from Egypt, Phenicia and Assyria, and yet the ancient Greeks created a direction unique to them, which cannot be confused with other trends. The artisans and artists of Hellas are characterized by a special outlook on life and the world, a philosophical orientation of creativity. The very technique of ancient Greek architects, sculptors and painters is the subject of imitation and study by modern masters, the basis of many masterpieces that appeared centuries after the collapse of Ancient Hellas.
Religious views the ancient Greeks undoubtedly deserve special attention. It was their beliefs that reflected the worldview of the entire society of that time, a penchant for symbolism, which helped build relationships between man and nature and with the whole world. Ancient Greek symbols, designations, plots, names are deeply rooted in the consciousness of modern people - this knowledge is now considered elementary, and without it it is impossible to penetrate and study new and recent history and culture, read works classical masters, understand the origins of the creativity of many artists, composers, poets.
Historical figures of Hellas
Ancient Greek philosophers, historians, sculptors and artists, as well as generals, strategists and orators laid the foundations of modern sciences, arts, politics, and social relationships. It is difficult to overestimate the activity historical figures that time. After all, without their ideas and their implementation, the modern world would undoubtedly look completely different.
Plutarch and Ovid, Demosthenes and Homer, Lycurgus and Solon - their works are still interesting today, arouse admiration and often become the basis for new views. The works of famous philosophers of the time are included in mandatory list educational program influential universities where future statesmen and politicians study. The legislation of most countries is based on democratic principles that first arose in Hellas.
“Golden Age” of Hellas – the era of an outstanding politician, strategist, orator Pericles- marked the emergence of democracy. It was then that the basis of taxation was established, taking into account the income of various segments of the population, the possibility of providing material assistance to the poor, teaching them the crafts, arts and knowledge of that time. Free citizens participated in the elections of rulers and had the right to control the work of state administration. The society of developed democracy gave impetus to the emergence of such famous personalities as Herodotus, Phidias, Aeschylus.
The greatest commander Alexander the Great contributed to the even greater enrichment of Greek culture through the achievements of the conquered peoples. Being a highly developed personality who went through school Aristotle, Alexander the Great spread the Hellenic worldview over vast territories far beyond the Balkan Peninsula, created new cities with philosophical and art schools, and libraries.
Even roman conqueror and, having subjugated the Greek territories and caused the actual end of Hellas, treated the works of Greek scientists with special awe and respect.
Many outstanding philosophers, artists and scientists enjoyed great honor and worked at the court of the Roman emperors, continuing to preach progressive views and forming famous schools, improving and honing their skills already on the territory of Ancient Rome.
An ancient legend says that God, when creating the world, accidentally dropped a handful of stones into the sea. And these stones miraculously turned into flowering islands and rocky atolls. This is how Greece was born, which thousands of years ago was called Hellas. Its inhabitants - the Hellenes - told the whole world about the beauty of Aphrodite and the power of Zeus, about the bloody mysteries of the Cretan labyrinth and the 12 labors of Hercules. And the Hellenes also taught us the word “democracy”.
Once upon a time, many centuries ago, numerous islands and the southern coast of the modern Balkan Peninsula were inhabited by people who proudly called themselves Hellenes and their country Hellas.
Hellas - the self-name of Greece - was originally the name of a city and region in southern Thessaly (Greek province) and only then gradually spread to the whole of Greece.
Many mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks entangled Hellas. Day after day, sea waves turned the coastline of Hellas into rocky bays full of reefs and dangerous undercurrents. But the Hellenes loved their country so much that with their tireless labor they decorated its sparse plains with flowering gardens and vineyards. It was impossible to imagine more diligent and patient farmers than the Hellenes. They turned the earth strewn with stones into fields of wheat, working tirelessly and sweating every piece of it. And thanks to the care of the Hellenes, the mountain slopes were covered with neat rows of countless grape bushes, the fruits of which turned into sparkling wine, allowing you to forget about fatigue and enjoy life. The Hellenes were also famous as excellent sailors. It couldn’t be otherwise - after all, the sea surrounded them on all sides.
The life of the Hellenes was full of numerous myths and ancient legends. They were carefully passed down from generation to generation. One of these legends tells about a terrible flood that covered the whole world in just a few days. Almost no one managed to escape from this disaster. Tradition says that only one man named Deucalion managed to survive. He became the founder of a new generation of people. One of his sons, Ellin, settled in this region. The Hellenes are his direct descendants.
The ancestor of ancient Greek culture was the Crete-Mycenaean culture, which arose on the island of Crete around 2200 BC. e. and flourished until 1450 BC. The island of Crete in the middle of the Bronze Age (2700-1400 BC) became the center of the Minoan civilization, named after the legendary king Minos, who reigned on the island of Crete.
royal headband, Fr. Crete
According to Greek myth, the king of the island of Crete Minos (Mycenaean mwi-nu - Minu) was the son Phoenician princess of Europe And god Zeus (in Minoan - Di-ve = di-we - “Diy”, which comes from Vedic Sanskrit from “Dyaus pitar” - ), Zeus (ancient Greek Ζεύς, turning into a white bull (Tav-Ros), kidnapped Europe and went with her to the island of Crete to the Dictaean cave, where he himself was born.
Harappa, Mahenjo-Doro. Great Mother Goddess accompanied by bulls
We find a similar ritual cart on which the Great Mother of the Gods sits in Mahenjo-Doro on the island of Crete, in the Minoan culture Bronze Age (2700-1400 BC)
About the constellation Taurus Ovid wrote: “ On the night before the Ides [May] the bull all strewn with stars rises» (Ovid. Fast. V 603-618). The myth of the abduction of Europa by Zeus is based on an ancient mystery Mother Earth and the universal fertilizing principle - heavenly rain, sky, pouring life-giving moisture onto the earth.
Creto-Mycenaean civilization - Great Mother Goddess - 16th century BC.
In the Minoan civilization of Crete, the god Zeus is the Sun-bull
, and Europe was initially perceived not only as a symbol of fertility and the Eternal Tree of plant life - Mother Earth, but was also a symbol animal life - how
the lunar cow married to the Sun-bull.
Sitting on a bull, Europe holds in one hand wild flower
, and with the other hand holds for the bull's horn,
an ancient symbol of fertility and abundance. The two bull's horns represent the curved crescent of the Moon.
Being the element of earthly animal and plant life, Europa also covers the entire cosmic world, caught on the horns of a bull; it personifies the “broadly luminous” Moon.
In the zoomorphic myths of Crete, “wide-eyed” and "Hair-eyed Selena" - Europe became an image identified with the single element of earthly and cosmic life. Europe not only has the eyes of a cow, but is also a cow: “ Selena (the moon) is the bull, and the bull (i.e. the constellation Taurus) is the highest position of Selena the Moon "(Porphyr. De antr. nymph. 18). Poets have many epithets indicating the horniness of the Moon-Selena.
Numerous coins of Crete, dating back to the Minoan civilization, contain on one side an image of a bull, and on the other - an image of Europa on a plane tree and the inscription: « Ti-sy-roi" - "ti-se- Roi" - "You are Rhea".
In Crete-Mycenaean texts there is an inscription: te-i-ja ma-te-re - “te-i-e ma-te-re” - “that is the Mother of the gods.” Mother of Zeus, goddess Rhea - Supreme (Mycenaean. O-re-i = o-re-i = mountains: orei - 'in the mountains', (cf. o-re-a) = orehās; O-re-ta = o- re-ta = oreta - supreme (Greek Ορος - 'mountain').
The Minoan religion contains elements Proto-Indo-Iranian culture from the Northern Black Sea region - veneration of the Great Mother Goddess with snakes, who in the Iranian language group is called Ishtar or Astarte.
sign of Mokosh - horns and grains of a sown field
In the Northern Black Sea region, speakers of various dialects called Great Mother gods - Api, the Minoans on Crete call Athena, and Asirai - Asirai - Asi-Reya, “paradise, in the hands of the Mother.”
In the Mycenaean language the name of the goddess Rei is also referred to as “A-ro-a = a-ro-a”; « A-ro-e = a-ro-e"; "A-ro-yo = a-ro-jo" , which means " Arius, " - and in the Vedic Sanskrit dictionary it means “arioa, arioes” - excellent, best, good; (Greek aristos - αριστος - ‘excellent, the best’; ayaphos - αγαθός - ‘good’).
Name of the Minoan goddess Api-Rei, or Asirai, may be the equivalent of the Sanskrit name of the god - Asura, the Avestan - Ahura, the Scythian goddess - Api, Hellenic - Athens.
Thus, Europa is a primordially chthonic (i.e., earthly) deity associated with the entire cosmos, including heaven, earth and the underworld.
In Crete the name of the invisible god of the underworld Aida (ancient Greek Ἀΐδης – AIDIS, - “A-Vidis” - “invisible” ).
The very name of Europe Hesychius interprets how Eyropon - “dark, sunset land”, and Euripides (Iphig. T.626) speaks of Europe: “black (eyröpon) abyss of rock», perhaps a grave, a cave. Zeus gave Europe the dog Argos, the "guardian of Europe" , there is a legend that later Zeus raised the Dog Argos to the stars, recognizing him as worthy of this, and so it appeared in the sky constellation Canis.
Lucian associates the Sidonian Princess Europe , daughter of Argiope and Agenor from Phenicia, with Assyrian Astarte and Selena:
« There is also another great sanctuary in Phenicia, which is owned by the inhabitants of Sidon; as the Sidonians say, it is dedicated to Ashtoreth. It seems to me that Astarte is the same Selena. However, one of the Phoenician priests told me that this temple is dedicated to Europa, the sister of Cadmus and the daughter of King Agenor.»
In ancient times, Europe was called Hellotia, from the word helein, ["to take"], because it was, according to myth, "taken" by a bull, as the Phoenicians say.(Etym. Μ.- Hellötis). From the word helein - “to take”, the name of Helen the Beautiful comes from.
Other stories by ancient Greek writers tell about Cretan commander Tavre, attacked Tire and took prisoner, among others, the king's daughter Europe and then married her.
Linguistic transformation of the name of the Taurian and Scythian goddess of earth and fertility Api to the Cretan-Mycenaean goddess Athena It is quite possible, since in the Greek language there are quite a few examples of the sound “P” on “F”. For example, in the Minoan language “po-ni-ke = po-ni-ke - ‘date palm’, Greek is modified into “phoinikē” - φοινιξ - ‘date palm’.
Api-Athena Promachos (Foremother ) with a spear and shield - 580 BC, o. Crete
IN Creto-Mycenaean culture Athena portrayed as Scythian goddess Api with his hands raised up and surrounded by snakes.
Owl symbol of Athena, inscription AFI = API
In Greek A-fi-na = A -“theou-nesis” - "divine mind" The Greeks call Athena Ethona - “Ethonoe” = “ en thoi ethei knowledge" – "this is the divine mind" , and depicted her surrounded by snakes, as in the Cretan-Mycenaean era.
Over time, the Cretan-Mycenaean mother goddess Athena began to acquire new functions, the Hellenic goddess Athena became the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, as well as just war, strategy, mathematics, art, crafts and craftsmanship.
In Corinth, the goddess Athena was called Helotis - Hellötis, from the word helein - “to take”, and in her honor they held the festival of Gellotia, as well as the festival Athens-Europe on Crete :
« Gellotida was a wreath woven from myrtle with a circumference of 20 cubits and was carried out at the festival of Gellotia. In it, they say, they carried the bones of Europa, which [also] was called Gellotis. The Gellotii also ruled in Corinth." (Athen. XV 678b).
By the end of the 3rd millennium BC. The eastern Mediterranean became the center of world history.
In an era of maximum power Minoan civilization islands of Crete, the Minoan fleet perfectly mastered the Mediterranean from Sicily and Greece to Asia Minor, Syria, Phenicia and Egypt.
Ancient Greek goddess of motherhood Summer (ancient Greek Λητώ, - Latona, in the Minoan language - Ra-to - ra-to, wife of Zeus, and mother of the god Apollo.
The daughter of Zeus and Demeter (or Ceres), the goddess of plants Persephone (ancient Greek Περσεφόνη, in Mycenaean: pe-re-swa (per-re-sva). Swa - swa - sowing, sowing.
Ancient Greek goddesses of vengeance Erinyes (ancient Greek Ἐρινύες - - “wrathful”) in Mycenaean language - E-ri-nu = e-ri-nu, daughter of Arius - the god of war.
The names of the Minoan goddesses are known - Ra-zha-ya = ra-za-ja – “woman in labor”, And A-me-ya - a-me-ja - amea.
Cretan-Mycenaean goddess Aphrodite older than the god Zeus and belongs to the primary chthonic deities pre-Greek period . Aphrodite is usually identified with the Phoenician Astarte, , Babylonian-Assyrian Ishtar, Egyptian Isis.
From the name (Api) Athena comes the name (Api-rodite) Aphrodite, the root of the word “genus” in the name “Aph-rodite” - means “parent”, (life, fruit) “giving birth.” The goddess Aphrodite was considered ancient greek mythology the goddess of fertility and life, the goddess of marriage and childbirth, she was called the child-parent and “child-nurser.” The divine fertility of the goddess Aphrodite is spoken of in the tragedy of Aeschylus “The Danaids”.
As the chthonic (i.e. earthly) deity Aphrodite, who gives life and abundance to the earth, appears, as does the goddess (Api) Athena, accompanied by wild animals pacified by her - lions, wolves, bears and snakes, rulers of the underworld.
The name of one of the twelve great Olympian goddesses, Aphrodite (ancient Greek Ἀφροδίτη), in ancient Greece was interpreted in Greek as a derivative from the Greek word ἀφρός - “foam” , since according to the legend Aphrodite- goddess of beauty and love, born from the foam of the sea on the island of Cyprus.
In Greek mythology, created later than the appearance goddess of fertility in Cyprus,
it is said that the blood of the god Cronus, the father of the god Uranus, spilled into the sea, which caused the foam to form in which Aphrodite was born. In the Homeric hymn, the goddess Aphrodite, who emerged from the airy sea foam in Cyprus, is called Cyprida (Greek: Κιπρίδα)
, that is, born in Cyprus.
In later Greek myths about the birth of Aphrodite
from the blood of the god Uranus is almost forgotten, the Greeks call Aphrodite daughter of Zeus, born in a cave on the island of Crete
, and the goddess of rain, the Titanides Dions
.
Plato emphasizes divine origin Aphrodite from the sky - Uranus, calling her Aphrodite Urania, goddess of pure heavenly love. Greek mythology gradually turned Aphrodite Urania into an accessible, vulgar mistress of the gods and heroes of myth, to Aphrodite Pandemos (Greek) Πάνδεμος - “national”) - the goddess of base sensual love, not associated with heavenly Uranus, but who became daughter of Zeus and the rain goddess, Titanide Dions , and wife of the lame god of fire Hephaestus (ancient Greek Ἥφαιστος) , son of Zeus and Hera . Hephaestus was the patron saint of blacksmiths and blacksmiths, the most skilled blacksmith and the ugliest among the gods.
Lame-footed Hephaestus
he worked in a forge, he is depicted with a hammer at a flaming forge, he forged armor for gods and heroes, finding true satisfaction in work. Unlike the hardworking Hephaestus, Aphrodite is pampered and loving, she participated in many of the intrigues of Athena and Hera. Aphrodite had seven lovers, with whom she gave birth to 12 children.
The son of Aphrodite and Hermes (children of Zeus) is considered to be Herm-Aph-rodite
who is called Afrodite, that is, born of Aphrodite.
In Mycenaean texts the name Hephaestus is mentioned as a-pa-i-ti-jo.
The god of the seas and oceans, Poseidon, sought the love of Aphrodite, but she fell in love with the son of the goddess Hera, the god of the unjust war Ares, whom none of the people and gods loved. From a secret and illegal union with Arius, the goddess Aphrodite gave birth to children: passionate Eros (or Eros) belonged to chaos, and Harmony who accompany Aphrodite everywhere, Anteros (hate), Himeros (Chimeros), Phobos (fear), Deimos (horror) , who became the eternal companions of the god of war Ares.
Aphrodite and Ares - love and war - they are nearby, from love to hate there is always one step. Parmenides writes about birth Erota , a winged boy armed with a bow and arrows that inspire love: “Aphrodite created Eros first of all the gods.”, instilling love in the hearts and unpredictable chaos in the life of a lover.
Eros and Psia (Soul)
Xenophon and Pausanias mention the temple of Aphrodite Urania in Athens, on the Athenian Acropolis.
Pausanias reports that the worship of Aphrodite was introduced Theseus , the nationwide cult of the deity, “when he brought all the Athenians from their rural homes into one city.”
On the mainland, the first center of veneration of the cult of Aphrodite Urania was the ancient Ephyra or Corinth . The statue of Aphrodite Urania was wooden and the goddess is depicted armed in military armor and wearing a Corinthian helmet.
There were numerous sanctuaries of Aphrodite in other regions of Greece (Corinth, Boeotia, Messenia, Achaia, Sparta), on the islands of Cyprus, in the city of Paphos, there is a temple of Aphrodite - the Paphos goddess, Kythera, Crete, Sicily Temple of Aphrodite at Mount Eryx - Aphrodite Ericinia.
Aphrodite was especially revered in Asia Minor, in Ephesus and Abydos, in Syria in Byblos, dedicated to this Lucian's treatise "About the Syrian Goddess."
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