The Byzantines undoubtedly considered themselves to be the descendants of the ancient Greeks, despite the complex and multifaceted nature of their identity. This perception was rooted in their cultural heritage, language, self-identification, religious context, and political context. Understanding how they saw themselves requires a deep dive into the historical and cultural aspects of the Byzantine Empire.

Cultural Heritage

The preservation and valorization of ancient Greek literature, philosophy, and art were central to the Byzantine identity. They viewed themselves as the inheritors of this rich cultural legacy, often referring to their language as Greek and their traditions as Greek. This was particularly evident in the realm of education, where the emphasis on classical education mirrored that of the ancient Greeks.

Language

By the 7th century, Greek had largely supplanted Latin as the official language of the empire. This shift not only reinforced their connection to ancient Greece but also underlined their distinct cultural identity. The continuity of language played a significant role in their self-perception and the retention of Greek cultural traditions.

Self-Identification

Byzantine intellectuals and historians often explicitly linked their contemporary society to the ancient Greek world. They saw themselves as the continuation of the Greek city-states and Hellenistic kingdoms, both in terms of cultural traditions and political structures. This is evident in the way they studied and taught classical texts, emphasizing the continuity between the ancient and the Byzantine worlds.

Religious Context

The Christianization of the empire played a crucial role in shaping Byzantine identity. The Byzantines often framed their cultural heritage within the context of Christianity, viewing themselves as the rightful successors to the ancient Greeks who had laid the foundation for Christian thought through their philosophical contributions. This religious connection further reinforced their self-identification as descendants of the ancient Greeks.

Political Context

The term "Byzantine" itself is an 18th-century invention, and even the term "ancient Greeks" is a modern one. The Byzantines identified primarily as Romans, and their perception of themselves as descendants of the ancient Greeks was more about cultural and intellectual continuity rather than a racial or ethnic origin. They did not call themselves the "Empire of the Greeks"; rather, they maintained the notion of the Byzantine Empire as a continuation of the Roman Empire, while celebrating their Greek cultural heritage.

It is important to note that the Greek citizens of the empire saw themselves as Greeks with Roman citizenship, a blend that emphasized both their cultural and political affiliations. This blend of identities—Greek in terms of culture and Roman in terms of political allegiance—was a defining feature of the Byzantine experience.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Byzantines identified as Romans, they also recognized and celebrated their Greek heritage. Their cultural and intellectual life, from the preservation of ancient texts to the continuation of classical education, reflects their deep connection to the ancient Greeks. The Byzantines saw themselves as the descendants of the ancient Greeks in many aspects of their cultural and intellectual life, but this was more a matter of shared cultural heritage rather than a single, homogeneous ethnic or racial identity.

For further exploration of this topic, consider reading primary sources such as the writings of Byzantine historians and philosophical texts from the period. Additionally, modern scholarly works on Byzantine studies provide valuable insights into the complex interplay of cultural, linguistic, and political factors that shaped Byzantine identity.