Panhellenic

Panhellenic, from the Greek pan (all) and Hellenic (Greek), is an adjective meaning relating to all Greeks or the Greek world. It is used in historical, cultural, and organizational contexts to denote unity, shared culture, or activities that involve the Greek-speaking world.

In antiquity, Panhellenic referred to events that connected Greek city-states and populations across the Hellenic world. The Panhellenic Games were major religious festivals held at sanctuary sites that welcomed competitors from many poleis. The four best known were the Olympic Games at Olympia, the Pythian Games at Delphi, the Isthmian Games at Isthmia, and the Nemean Games at Nemea; participation and honor in these games fostered a sense of Panhellenism among Greeks.

In modern history, Panhellenism describes political and cultural movements aiming at unity among Greeks, especially during periods of foreign rule or national revival. It contributed to the idea of a common Hellenic identity in the 18th–19th centuries and played a role in the Greek struggle for independence and in shaping national culture and diplomacy.

In contemporary usage, Panhellenic is used for organizations that coordinate Greek-letter societies across universities. Panhellenic Councils or Panhellenic associations oversee the activities and recruitment of member sororities on many campuses, reflecting a modern, localized sense of Panhellenic unity within a broader Greek world.