Greek history spans millennia, evolving from ancient tribal migrations and Bronze Age civilizations into a complex mosaic of ethnic, cultural, and linguistic groups. Throughout antiquity, the Byzantine period, and modern times, the definition of "Greek" has been shaped by shared language, religion, and culture rather than a single racial or genetic stock. Ancient and Classical Periods During antiquity, the Greek world (Hellas) was characterized by a common language and religion, divided among distinct tribal and regional groups:
- Hellenic Tribes (The Major Dialect Groups):
- Ionians: Traditionally associated with Attica, Euboea, and the Aegean islands, later settling the coast of Asia Minor (Ionia). They spoke the Ionic dialect, which later evolved into Attic Greek (the basis of Koine).
- Dorians: Originating from northern/northwestern Greece, Dorians migrated into the Peloponnese, Crete, and parts of southern Italy and Sicily. They spoke the Doric dialect, famous for its broad vowels and martial cult