Transition from Foreign to Fellow Romans: Greek Perceptions of the Romans

The gradual transition from the Greeks seeing the Romans as 'foreign' to acknowledging them as fellow Romans is a complex journey that unfolded over several centuries. Understanding this transformation requires an exploration of the historical contexts and cultural interactions that shaped perceptions on both sides.

The Early Stages: Roman Conquests and Greek Reactions

The process of the Greeks no longer seeing the Romans as 'foreign' began in stages, mirroring the conquests of Greece. Unlike today, where 'Greece' refers to a single unified state in the southern Balkans and the Aegean, in ancient times, 'Greece' or Hellas encompassed a vast civilization and culture across Southern Italy, the Balkans, the Aegean, and western Anatolia. It is often stated that Rome conquered Greece in 140 BCE, but in reality, Rome had already conquered parts of Italian Greece and Macedonia well before this date. Athens supported a Macedonian pretender in 140 BCE but was not heavily punished.

The Fall of Corinth and the Greek Mainland

140 BCE marked the destruction of Corinth by Rome, signaling the fall of most of the Balkan and Aegean regions under Roman control. In 88 BCE, a rebellion in Greece led to the sacking of Athens but not its destruction. The Roman civil wars further devastated Greece, but with stability, trade, and the patronage of the Roman elite, Greece recovered to become one of the most wealthy parts of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire's decision to grant all free-born men citizenship legally elevated the Greeks and endowed them with Roman status.

Integration and Hellenophilia

With the imposition of Christianity as the state religion, the meaning of being 'Roman' evolved to encompass Christian values. Prior to this, 'Hellene' and 'pagan' Romans had distinct identities, but Christianity brought these groups under a unified religious canopy. By the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE, the only center of Rome was located in a Greek city, Thessalonica, rather than a Latin city in Italy.

Greek and Roman Interactions in Magna Grecia

In regions such as Magna Grecia, where Roman influence extended over Greek tribes, historical and cultural exchanges were more prominent. Greek tribes established colonies, and Romans extended their influence to Greece. Over time, both Greeks and Romans developed a strong bond, leading to the use of the term 'Ellinas' (Greek) or 'Romios' (Roman) interchangeably. This integration continued even beyond the fall of the Western Roman Empire, with Greek DNA showing a closer connection to Italian DNA in modern times. It is notable that the famous saying 'Una Fatsa una Ratsa' (One face one race) underscores this shared heritage.

The Final Conquest and its Aftermath

The Romans' final conquest of Greece is encapsulated in several key events. The Kingdom of Macedon, led by Perseus, was ended in 168 BCE, and the capital, Pella, was ransacked and burned. The new capital became Thessalonica. In 148 BCE, Athens allied with a Macedonian pretender named Andriscus, but Rome defeated him, sparing Athens. The next year, the city of Corinth resisted Roman forces but met a similar fate, with its men killed and women and children sold into slavery. For their loyalty, Athens and Sparta received the award of civitas foederata status.

Hellenophilia and Patrons

Despite the harsh realities of Roman conquest, Greek intellectuals and leaders often found patrons within the Roman elite who shared a deep appreciation for Hellenic culture. This is exemplified by Emperor Hadrian, who renovated Athens and re-established the schools of philosophy, thereby promoting a mutual respect and cultural exchange.

The term 'civitas foederata' (treaty citizenship) refers to special legal status granted by Rome, encompassing a wide range of rights and responsibilities. This status, particularly for Athens and other Greek cities, allowed for a degree of autonomy while remaining under Roman influence.

The transition from seeing the Romans as 'foreign' to becoming their fellow citizens was not instantaneous but emerged through a series of diplomatic, cultural, and military interactions. This shift had profound implications for the identity and culture of the Greeks, leading to their integration into the broader Roman Empire.