Before Greece, the country was called Hellas. This name originated from the Greek word “Ellas” (Έλλας), which was used by the ancient Greeks to refer to their homeland. It is important to note that Hellas is the internal name used by the Greeks themselves, while internationally, the country came to be known as Greece.
Growing up in Hellas, I was always taught to refer to my country as Hellas, not Greece. It was a point of pride for us, a way to connect with our ancient roots and heritage. The word Hellas has a certain poetic quality to it, evoking images of ancient philosophers, mythological heroes, and the birthplace of democracy.
However, when interacting with the rest of the world, it became necessary to use the internationally recognized name, Greece. This translation of our country’s name has its origins in the Latin word “Graecia,” which was used by the Romans to refer to the land of the Greeks. Over time, this Latin name became the standard internationally.
The use of the name Greece by other nations and cultures is not meant to undermine or dismiss the significance of the name Hellas. It is simply a matter of different languages and translations. In fact, many Greeks still prefer to use the name Hellas in their own language and when speaking among themselves.
It is fascinating to think about the power of names and how they shape our perception of a place. For me, Hellas will always be the true name of my homeland, carrying with it centuries of history, culture, and identity. Whether we call it Hellas or Greece, the essence of the country remains the same.
To summarize, before it was internationally translated as Greece, the country was called Hellas internally by the Greeks. The name Hellas has a deep cultural and historical significance, representing the ancient roots and heritage of the Greek people. While the international name Greece is commonly used, many Greeks still prefer to use the name Hellas to connect with their rich past.