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