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The origin and the first usages of the characterism “phillelen” during archaic and classical period

• Μανωλόπουλος, Λεωνίδας

The characterization φιλέλλην is created during the archaic period and is given by the Greeks to the foreigners. It reflects the Greek feeling of isolation due to the irresistible extension of the Persian power. The term reppears in the 4th century and is used together with its opposite μισέλλην. But the meaning of the characterization is changed. Now it is greek-centered. The term is being used always within the frame of the opposition between Greeks and Barbarians,but is activated by endo-Hellenic and civil wars that are caused by the hegemonistic policy of mighty Greek city-states. However there is at the same time a relativity in its use; a policy that would take into consideration the broader interests of the Greeks was never practisied. It is for that reason that φιλέλληνες are the Greeks of the 5th century and especially the Athenians. They are so characterised after 386 b.C.when the “king’s peace” has been signed.ωBut the term is relatively used when it is either attributed to or presupposes political action of panhellenic perspective so that it can be given to Greek monarchs. Their political action is opposed to the ideal of the Greek intellectuals of the 4th century. We could easily say it is a ideal type not related to a specific historical person characterised by his political action. Equally relative is the use of the term and its opposite μισέλλην when reffered to foreigners, whereas it is used to exalt the Greek type of φιλέλλην. This means that these terms have not been given to historic types of friends and enemies of Greek city-states. It is not accidental that only Hannibal absolutely corresponds to the negative emotional sense that the characterism μισέλλην bears.

• History and Archaeology
• Languages and Literature

• Αρχαιολογία
• Πολιτική επιστήμη
• Ιστορία, Αρχαία
• Ελληνική φιλολογία

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