Hellenists

Hellenists refers to people who adopted Greek culture and language during the Hellenistic period. This era followed the conquests of Alexander the Great, which spread Greek influence across a vast territory encompassing parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Individuals who embraced Hellenistic ways, whether by birth or assimilation, became known as Hellenists. This cultural adoption involved adopting Greek customs, language, religious practices, and artistic styles. It was not necessarily tied to ethnic Greek origin.

The term also has a specific meaning within Jewish history. In this context, Hellenists refer to Jews who adopted Greek culture and language while retaining their Jewish faith. This phenomenon was particularly prevalent in cities like Alexandria in Egypt, where a large and vibrant Jewish population interacted extensively with Greek society. These Hellenistic Jews often spoke Greek, wore Greek-style clothing, and participated in aspects of Greek civic life. However, they continued to observe Jewish law and traditions, leading to a unique synthesis of cultures. The interaction between Hellenistic Jews and more traditional Jews is a significant theme in ancient Jewish history and is discussed in ancient texts, including the New Testament.