Hélènes

The term "Hélènes" refers to the ancient Greeks, specifically those who spoke the Greek language and were culturally distinct from other Mediterranean peoples. The name derives from the mythological figure Helen of Troy, whose name in Greek is *Helenē*, and is often associated with the broader Hellenic identity. The term gained prominence in the 19th century during the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829), when it was used to emphasize Greek national identity and cultural continuity.

The Hélènes were the primary inhabitants of the Greek peninsula, the Aegean Islands, and parts of Asia Minor, Anatolia, and the Black Sea coast during antiquity. Their civilization flourished from the Bronze Age (c. 3000–1100 BCE) through the Classical period (5th–4th centuries BCE) and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy in philosophy, art, literature, and politics. Major Hellenic city-states, such as Athens, Sparta, and Thebes, played pivotal roles in shaping Greek culture and history.

The term "Hélènes" is also used in a broader sense to describe modern Greeks who trace their cultural heritage to ancient Greece. It distinguishes them from other Greek-speaking populations, such as the Pontic Greeks or the Cappadocian Greeks, who were historically part of the Ottoman Empire. Today, the word is occasionally employed in political or cultural discourse to evoke a sense of Hellenic pride and continuity with antiquity.

In mythology, the Hélènes were said to be descendants of Hellen, a son of Deucalion, who survived the Great Flood. This lineage was later expanded to include figures like Heracles and the heroes of the Trojan War, reinforcing the idea of a shared Hellenic identity. The term remains a symbol of cultural heritage and national identity for many Greeks.