The Greek Attitude Toward Foreigners and Barbarians
Introduction
In Ancient Greece, attitudes toward outsiders were shaped by language, culture, and political identity. The Greeks used the term barbaros (barbarian) to describe non-Greek-speaking peoples, which gradually came to carry cultural and sometimes negative connotations. However, Greek attitudes toward foreigners were not uniform—they ranged from curiosity and admiration to suspicion and hostility.
The Meaning of “Barbarian”
Originally, the word barbaros simply referred to people who did not speak Greek.
It imitated the sound “bar-bar,” meaning unintelligible speech
Initially neutral, meaning “foreign speaker”
Later developed negative meanings such as “uncivilized” or “inferior”
The term reflected language difference more than race in the modern sense.
Greek Identity and “Hellenes”
Greeks defined themselves as Hellenes, united by:
Common language (Greek dialects)
Shared religion and mythology
Participation in festivals such as the Olympic Games
Cultural practices and values
This shared identity contrasted with foreign “others.”
Positive Views of Foreigners
Despite the term “barbarian,” Greeks often interacted positively with outsiders.
Examples of Positive Interaction:
Trade with Egypt, Persia, and Phoenician cities
Adoption of foreign technologies and artistic styles
Greek colonies established across the Mediterranean
Respect for foreign knowledge, especially in science and medicine
For example, Ancient Egypt was widely respected for its ancient wisdom.
Negative Stereotypes
Some Greek writers portrayed foreigners as:
Lacking freedom (especially under monarchies like Persia)
Excessively luxurious or decadent
Lacking rational or democratic values
These ideas were especially strong during conflicts such as the Greco-Persian Wars.
Political Influence on Attitudes
War played a major role in shaping perceptions:
The Persian Wars reinforced Greek–Persian opposition
Athens portrayed itself as defender of freedom against “barbarian despotism”
Sparta also maintained a strong in-group identity
However, these views were often political rather than purely cultural.
Cultural Exchange and Influence
Despite stereotypes, Greek culture was deeply influenced by foreigners:
Alphabet adapted from Phoenician script
Artistic motifs from Near Eastern cultures
Philosophical and scientific ideas from Egypt and Mesopotamia
Trade networks across the Mediterranean
This shows that interaction was continuous and mutually influential.
Exceptions and Integration
Some foreigners were respected or even integrated:
Foreign doctors, artists, and philosophers were welcomed in Greek cities
Metics (resident foreigners) lived and worked in places like Athens
Mercenaries from non-Greek regions served in Greek armies
This demonstrates flexibility within Greek society.
Philosophical Perspectives
Some philosophers challenged ethnic boundaries:
Sophists argued for cultural relativism
Stoics later emphasized universal human reason
Thinkers questioned whether “Greek vs. barbarian” distinctions were meaningful
These ideas softened rigid divisions over time.
Conclusion
Greek attitudes toward foreigners and “barbarians” were complex and often contradictory. While language and cultural differences created a sense of separation, practical interaction, trade, and intellectual exchange ensured constant contact. Ultimately, Greek identity was shaped both by distinction from outsiders and by continuous engagement with them.
