What Was Ancient Greece Originally Known As?

Ancient Greece is a civilization that has fascinated people for centuries. It is known for its rich history, philosophy, art, architecture, and much more. However, what many people may not know is that the country we now know as Greece was not always called by that name.

In fact, the original name of Greece was “Hellas.” This name was first used in ancient times by the Greeks themselves and was later adopted by the Romans. The name “Hellas” comes from the Greek word “hellas” which means “the land of the Greeks.”

The use of this name can be traced back to the time of Homer and his epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey. In these works, Homer refers to the Greeks as “Hellenes,” which eventually became synonymous with “Greeks.”

It wasn’t until much later in history that the country began to be referred to as Greece. This change in name occurred during the Roman Empire when Greece became a province of Rome. The Romans called it Graecia, which eventually evolved into “Greece” in English.

Despite this change in name, however, many still refer to Greece as Hellas today. In fact, it is even used as an official name in certain contexts such as in international sports competitions where Greece competes under the name “Hellenic Republic.”

The country we now know as Greece has a long and complex history filled with myths and legends. Its original name of Hellas reflects its deep ties to ancient Greek culture and its legacy that continues to influence modern-day society.

In conclusion, while many may know this country under its current moniker of Greece – it’s important to remember that it was originally known as Hellas – a proud title given by its own people. Regardless of what you call it though – one thing is for sure: this ancient civilization will continue to fascinate us for generations to come.