Philhellenism

Quick Facts: Who was Philhellenism?

Subject:

Philhellenism

Known for:

An intellectual movement celebrating Greek culture, spanning from antiquity to the modern era.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Philhellenism ("the love of Greek culture and art") was a prominent intellectual movement which promoted Greek culture. It contributed to the sentiments that led Europeans such as Lord Byron, Charles Nicolas Fabvier and Richard Church to advocate for Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire. The later 19th-century European philhellenism was largely found among the Classicists. The study of it falls under Classical Reception Studies and is a continuation of the Classical tradition. In antiquity, the term philhellene ("the admirer of Greeks and everything Greek"), from the (Greek: φιλέλλην, from φίλος - philos, "friend", "lover" + Ἕλλην - Hellen, "Greek") was used to describe both non-Greeks who were fond of ancient Greek culture and Greeks who patriotically upheld their culture.

Career & Major Achievements

The Liddell-Scott Greek-English Lexicon defines 'philhellene' as "fond of the Hellenes, mostly of foreign princes, as Amasis; of Parthian kings[...]; also of Hellenic tyrants, as Jason of Pherae and generally of Hellenic (Greek) patriots. According to Xenophon, an honorable Greek should also be a philhellene. Some examples: Evagoras of Cyprus and Philip II were both called "philhellenes" by Isocrates The early rulers of the Parthian Empire, starting with Mithridates I (r. 171–132 BC), used the title of philhellenes on their coins, which was a political act done in order to establish friendly relations with their Greek subjects. Following the example of the Parthians, Tigranes adopted the title of Philhellene (friend of the Greeks).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The layout of his capital Tigranocerta was an example of Greek architecture. The literate upper classes of Ancient Rome were increasingly Hellenized in their culture during the 3rd century BC. Among Romans the career of Titus Quinctius Flamininus (died 174 BC), who appeared at the Isthmian Games in Corinth in 196 BC and proclaimed the freedom of the Greek states, was fluent in Greek, stood out, according to Livy, as a great admirer of Greek culture. The Greeks hailed him as their liberator. There were some Romans during the late Republic, who were distinctly anti-Greek, resenting the increasing influence of Greek culture on Roman life, an example being the Roman Censor, Cato the Elder and Cato the Younger, who lived during the "Greek invasion" of Rome but towards the later years of his life he eventually became a philhellene after his stay in Rhodes.

Notable Quotes by Philhellenism

“Graecia capta ferum victorem cepit et artis intulit agresti Latio”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Philhellenism

True or False: “The term 'philhellene' was exclusively used by non-Greek admirers of Greek culture.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The term could also be used to describe Greeks who patriotically upheld their own Hellenic culture.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Philibert Tsiranana — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Malagasy statesman who served as President of Madagascar from 1959 to 1972.
• Philip Astley — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The English equestrian and inventor regarded as the father of the modern circus.
• Philip Danforth Armour — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering meatpacking industrialist who founded Armour and Company in Chicago.
• Philip Glass — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: American composer renowned for pioneering and evolving the style of musical minimalism.
• Philip Henry Gosse — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: English naturalist, 'Father of the Aquarium', and pioneer in marine biology.
• Philip I of France — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: King of the Franks, whose long reign marked a recovery for the Capetian monarchy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Philhellenism