Chapter II

THE HELLENIC PEOPLE GENERALLY IN THE EARLY HISTORICAL TIMES.

The Hellens generally.—Barbarians—the word used as antithesis to
Hellens.—Hellenic aggregate—how held together. 1. Fellowship of
blood. 2. Common language.—Greek language essentially one with a
variety of dialects. 3. Common religious sentiments, localities,
and sacrifices.—Olympic and other sacred games.—Habit of common
sacrifice an early feature of the Hellenic mind—began on a small
scale.—Amphiktyonies—exclusive religious partnerships.—Their
beneficial influence in creating sympathies.—What was called the
Amphiktyonic Council.—Its twelve constituent members and their
mutual position.—Antiquity of the Council—simplicity of the old
oath.—Amphiktyonic meeting originally at Thermopylæ.—Valuable
influence of these Amphiktyonies and festivals in promoting
Hellenic union.—Amphiktyons had the superintendence of the
temple of Delphi.—But their interference in Grecian affairs
is only rare and occasional.—Many Hellenic states had no
participation in it.—Temple of Delphi.—Oracles generally—habit
of the Greek mind to consult them.—General analogy of manners
among the Greeks.—Political sovereignty attached to each
separate city—essential to the Hellenic mind.—Each city stood to
the rest in an international relation.—But city government is
essential—village residence is looked upon as an inferior scale
of living.—Village residents—numerous in early Greece—many of
them coalesced into cities.—Sparta retained its old village trim
even at the height of its power.—Hellenic aggregate accepted as
a primary fact—its preëxisting elements untraceable.—Ancient
Pelasgians not knowable.—Historical Pelasgians—spoke a
barbarous language.—Historical Leleges—barbarians in language
also.—Statements of good witnesses regarding the historical
Pelasgians and Leleges are to be admitted,—whether they fit the
legendary Pelasgians and Leleges or not.—Alleged ante-Hellenic
colonies from Phœnicia and Egypt—neither verifiable nor
probable.—Most ancient Hellas—Græci. 236-269