Chef Ra
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Posted - 2007.08.26 05:16:00 -
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The hellenization of Syria rests largely on issues of language. Scholars interpret the use of Greek as evidence for hellenized identity and, conversely, the use of a local, Aramaic dialect as a lack of hellenization. Furthermore, references in these Greek texts to features known from communal life in cities in Greece are taken as indicators for hellenization. For instance, the mention of a city council (boule) and magistrates (archontes) demonstrates the existence of a city-state structure (polis). It is assumed that the cities founded by Hellenistic rulers in the 4th and 3rd c. BCE in North Syria were organized on the model of the Greek polis and held a degree of autonomy (fig. 3).2 The political structure and cultural features of these four cities spread in greater or lesser extent to other cities and villages. Archaeological evidence for the process ofhellenization consists of rectilinear grid plans (also known as hippodamian grids), Macedonian- style fortification walls, public spaces such as an agora, and Greek influence on the arts.3
Scholars describe local or non-hellenized traditions in terms of their relation to Greek/Macedonian elements. They consider, for instance, the continuation of older traditions in the coinage and language of the cities on the coast of modern Lebanon, the so-called Phoenician cities, in opposition to their otherwise thoroughly hellenized culture.4 For places where hellenization is more difficult to find, such as Doura Europos and Palmyra, the analyses focus on the mixture of local with Greek/Macedonian elements.5
Evidence for non-hellenized, local traditions is also sought in non-urban regions. For example, Jones argues, on the evidence of the adoption of Greek names, that hellenized culture was spread from colonists to native inhabitants in the cities. The countryside remained culturally unaffected by hellenization as the peasants continued to speak Aramaic dialects.6 Bowersock however, concludes that hellenization was also strong in the villages, where Greek inscriptions have been found.7
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