How did ancient peoples identify themselves?

**marodeur** · 02-08-2008, 18:26

AFAIK germanic and celtic people saw themselves as memberes of their respective tribes, beginning at the family level and united in greater (and sometimes changing) alliances led by a king in times of war. They did not think of themselves as nations or as an entity of germans or celts. Surely they recognized that they spoke the same or at least a closely related language and had some customs and most of their gods in common, but that is not necessary a reason to view themselves as one people (as can be seen in modern times in various instances, for example ex-yugoslavia and in a certain way germany till the beginning of the 19th century).
The greeks identified themselves primarily with their hometown, but I think there was at least a certain community, exemplified by pan-hellenic games (like olympia) or a feeling of community in times of external dangers (like the persian imnvasion).

**The General** · 02-08-2008, 18:33

Originally Posted by marodeur

AFAIK germanic and celtic people saw themselves as memberes of their respective tribes, beginning at the family level and united in greater (and sometimes changing) alliances led by a king in times of war. They did not think of themselves as nations or as an entity of germans or celts. Surely they recognized that they spoke the same or at least a closely related language and had some customs and most of their gods in common, but that is not necessary a reason to view themselves as one people (as can be seen in modern times in various instances, for example ex-yugoslavia and in a certain way germany till the beginning of the 19th century).
The greeks identified themselves primarily with their hometown, but I think there was at least a certain community, exemplified by pan-hellenic games (like olympia) or a feeling of community in times of external dangers (like the persian imnvasion).

Bah, I was writing an answer, only to notice that you had already posted with answers pretty identical to what I were writing, bah! ;|

**cmacq** · 02-08-2008, 22:12

You might not think so at first, but this may help you understand a little?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangs

**General Appo** · 02-08-2008, 23:05

That is actually quite accurate, people of that time probably firts thought of their own "gang", their family. Then there were the similar "gangs", that you know and sometime hang out with or help in some way or another, and then there are of course all the "gangs". Between these gangs there are often fights for respect and territory, but every once in a while the "cops" or some other outsiders comes in and everyone either unites or scatters against/before the common enemy. Never quite thought of it that way.

**TWFanatic** · 02-09-2008, 03:58

The Scottish and Jewish clan/tribe systems are actually quite similar and make for a fascinating study on this subject. Often, when an outsider (English or Gentiles) invaded, only a few clans would unite to fight off the threat, while the others did virtually nothing. Clan pride was fierce and far more binding (particularly in Scotland) than any national identity, though of course the Jews had their unique religion in common as additional binding factor.

Also, how did the Macedonians and the Greeks view themselves?

Oh god.

**Mouzafphaerre** · 02-09-2008, 04:29

.
Ancient Arabian proverb: "My brother and I could fight with our cousin. Against a stranger; my brother, my cousin and I would fight together."

Sedentary Turkish proverb: "A close neighbour is preferable over a distant relative."

Arabs identified everybody who were not Arabian with a single word: عجم - ‘ajem. Gypsies identify everybody who are not Gypsie as Baro or Gaje. No need to mention Barbaros/Barbarus I suppose...
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**cmacq** · 02-09-2008, 05:47

Originally Posted by TWFanatic

Clan pride was fierce and far more binding (particularly in Scotland) than any national identity

Have you ever heard the story how one clan was nearly wiped-out, as the one that sent them into a trap did nothing but declare this their great fight? I was told this story over and over when I was a kid, and then it was already 400 years old.