How did ancient peoples identify themselves?

[cmacq]

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

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

[General Appo]

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]

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]

.
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]

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.

[Parallel Pain]

I was wondering how they would identify who was friend and who was foe on the battlefield

[cmacq]

I was wondering how they would identify who was friend and who was foe on the battlefield

By their slogan, colours, and mark. Of course, a slogan is the war cry and in Scots Gaelic ours is, 'An t'Arm breac dearg.' In English, 'Our Weapons speckled red,' I think meaning 'speckle Our Weapons red?' Some bloody fool on the net claims it means, ‘the red-tartaned army.’ Not even close, as the only word they got right was 'red' for 'dearg.'



As you see the colours are red, and the mark, the way one looks, talks, walks, sets, and stands; as well as the weapons, and how they're made to sing by your hands.