Epirotes: Difference between revisions
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'''Epirotes''' ({{lang-sq|Toskët or Epirotët}}, {{lang-el|Ηπειρώτες}}, [[Aromanian]]:Epirotu) is a term that refers to the inhabitants of the region of [[Epirus (region)|Epirus]]. Today there are 3 major ethnic groups now are living in Epirus are Albanians, Greeks, Vlachs. Due to their geographic isolation, however, they did not partake in the cultural achievements of their fellow-Greeks to the south and were considered uncouth as a result. In [[Classical antiquity]], the Epirotes were grouped into fourteen tribes, the most famous of which were the [[Thesprotians]], who occupied the southern part of Epirus immediately north of the Ambracian Gulf, the [[Molossians]], who occupied the center, and the [[Chaonians]], who occupied the northernmost area, up to the Bay of Avlona (modern-day Vlorë).<ref>Strabo. ''The Geography''. Book VII, Chapter 7.5 ([http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Strabo/7G*.html LacusCurtius]).</ref><ref>Plutarch, ''Pyrrhus'' ([http://classics.mit.edu/Plutarch/pyrrhus.html Internet Classics Archive]).</ref> They spoke a variant of the [[NW Greek]] dialect and because they were seen as uncouth by their fellow-Greeks to the south, they were referred to as "barbarians" by some authors.<ref>[[Thucydides]]. ''History of the Peloponnesian War'', Book II.</ref> The neighbors of the Epirotes were the [[ancient Macedonians|Macedonians]] to the east and the [[Illyrians]] to the north. The [[Molossians]] were the most powerful of the Epirotes, and under their king ([[Pyrrhus of Epirus]]) they briefly challenged the power of Rome. Following the [[Pyrrhic victory|Pyrrhic victories]] of Pyrrhus over the Romans, however, the Epirotes fell under Roman rule and 150,000 were sold into slavery. |
'''Epirotes''' ({{lang-sq|Toskët or Epirotët}}, {{lang-el|Ηπειρώτες}}, [[Aromanian]]:Epirotu) is a term that refers to the inhabitants of the region of [[Epirus (region)|Epirus]]. Today there are 3 major ethnic groups now are living in Epirus are Albanians, Greeks, Vlachs. Due to their geographic isolation, however, they did not partake in the cultural achievements of their fellow-Greeks to the south and were considered uncouth as a result. In [[Classical antiquity]], the Epirotes were grouped into fourteen tribes, the most famous of which were the [[Thesprotians]], who occupied the southern part of Epirus immediately north of the Ambracian Gulf, the [[Molossians]], who occupied the center, and the [[Chaonians]], who occupied the northernmost area, up to the Bay of Avlona (modern-day Vlorë).<ref>Strabo. ''The Geography''. Book VII, Chapter 7.5 ([http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Strabo/7G*.html LacusCurtius]).</ref><ref>Plutarch, ''Pyrrhus'' ([http://classics.mit.edu/Plutarch/pyrrhus.html Internet Classics Archive]).</ref> They spoke a variant of the [[NW Greek]] dialect and because they were seen as uncouth by their fellow-Greeks to the south, they were referred to as "barbarians" by some authors.<ref>[[Thucydides]]. ''History of the Peloponnesian War'', Book II.</ref> The neighbors of the Epirotes were the [[ancient Macedonians|Macedonians]] to the east and the [[Illyrians]] to the north. The [[Molossians]] were the most powerful of the Epirotes, and under their king ([[Pyrrhus of Epirus]]) they briefly challenged the power of Rome. Following the [[Pyrrhic victory|Pyrrhic victories]] of Pyrrhus over the Romans, however, the Epirotes fell under Roman rule and 150,000 were sold into slavery. |
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In [[Classical antiquity]], the Epirotes were grouped into fourteen tribes, the most famous of which were the [[Thesprotians]], who occupied the southern part of Epirus immediately north of the Ambracian Gulf, the [[Molossians]], who occupied the center, and the [[Chaonians]], who occupied the northernmost area, up to the Bay of Avlona (modern-day Vlorë).<ref>Strabo. ''The Geography''. Book VII, Chapter 7.5 ([http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Strabo/7G*.html LacusCurtius]).</ref><ref>Plutarch, ''Pyrrhus'' ([http://classics.mit.edu/Plutarch/pyrrhus.html Internet Classics Archive]).</ref> They spoke a variant of the [[NW Greek]] dialect and because they were seen as uncouth by their fellow-Greeks to the south, they were referred to as "barbarians" by some authors.<ref>[[Thucydides]]. ''History of the Peloponnesian War'', Book II.</ref> The neighbors of the Epirotes were the [[ancient Macedonians|Macedonians]] to the east and the [[Illyrians]] to the north. The [[Molossians]] were the most powerful of the Epirotes, and under their king ([[Pyrrhus of Epirus]]) they briefly challenged the power of Rome. Following the [[Pyrrhic victory|Pyrrhic victories]] of Pyrrhus over the Romans, however, the Epirotes fell under Roman rule and 150,000 were sold into slavery. |
In [[Classical antiquity]], the Epirotes were grouped into fourteen tribes, the most famous of which were the [[Thesprotians]], who occupied the southern part of Epirus immediately north of the Ambracian Gulf, the [[Molossians]], who occupied the center, and the [[Chaonians]], who occupied the northernmost area, up to the Bay of Avlona (modern-day [[Vlorë]]).<ref>Strabo. ''The Geography''. Book VII, Chapter 7.5 ([http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Strabo/7G*.html LacusCurtius]).</ref><ref>Plutarch, ''Pyrrhus'' ([http://classics.mit.edu/Plutarch/pyrrhus.html Internet Classics Archive]).</ref> They spoke a variant of the [[NW Greek]] dialect and because they were seen as uncouth by their fellow-Greeks to the south, they were referred to as "barbarians" by some authors.<ref>[[Thucydides]]. ''History of the Peloponnesian War'', Book II.</ref> The neighbors of the Epirotes were the [[ancient Macedonians|Macedonians]] to the east and the [[Illyrians]] to the north. The [[Molossians]] were the most powerful of the Epirotes, and under their king ([[Pyrrhus of Epirus]]) they briefly challenged the power of Rome. Following the [[Pyrrhic victory|Pyrrhic victories]] of Pyrrhus over the Romans, however, the Epirotes fell under Roman rule and 150,000 were sold into slavery. |
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In the [[Middle Ages]], Epirus came under the rule of the [[Byzantine Empire]]. In 1204, following the capture of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade, Michael Angelus Comnenus set up an independent state known as the [[Despotate of Epiros]]. During this time, the definition of Epirus came to encompass the entire region from the Ambracian Gulf to [[Dyrrachium]] (modern-day Durrës, in Albania). Some of the most important cities in Epirus, such as [[Gjirokastër]] (Argyrokastron), were founded during this period. |
In the [[Middle Ages]], Epirus came under the rule of the [[Byzantine Empire]]. In 1204, following the capture of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade, Michael Angelus Comnenus set up an independent state known as the [[Despotate of Epiros]]. During this time, the definition of Epirus came to encompass the entire region from the Ambracian Gulf to [[Dyrrachium]] (modern-day Durrës, in Albania). Some of the most important cities in Epirus, such as [[Gjirokastër]] (Argyrokastron), were founded during this period. |
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Revision as of 21:43, 16 July 2009
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Epirotes (Albanian: Toskët or Epirotët, Greek: Ηπειρώτες, Aromanian:Epirotu) is a term that refers to the inhabitants of the region of Epirus. Today there are 3 major ethnic groups now are living in Epirus are Albanians, Greeks, Vlachs. Due to their geographic isolation, however, they did not partake in the cultural achievements of their fellow-Greeks to the south and were considered uncouth as a result. In Classical antiquity, the Epirotes were grouped into fourteen tribes, the most famous of which were the Thesprotians, who occupied the southern part of Epirus immediately north of the Ambracian Gulf, the Molossians, who occupied the center, and the Chaonians, who occupied the northernmost area, up to the Bay of Avlona (modern-day Vlorë).[1][2] They spoke a variant of the NW Greek dialect and because they were seen as uncouth by their fellow-Greeks to the south, they were referred to as "barbarians" by some authors.[3] The neighbors of the Epirotes were the Macedonians to the east and the Illyrians to the north. The Molossians were the most powerful of the Epirotes, and under their king (Pyrrhus of Epirus) they briefly challenged the power of Rome. Following the Pyrrhic victories of Pyrrhus over the Romans, however, the Epirotes fell under Roman rule and 150,000 were sold into slavery.
In Classical antiquity, the Epirotes were grouped into fourteen tribes, the most famous of which were the Thesprotians, who occupied the southern part of Epirus immediately north of the Ambracian Gulf, the Molossians, who occupied the center, and the Chaonians, who occupied the northernmost area, up to the Bay of Avlona (modern-day Vlorë).[4][5] They spoke a variant of the NW Greek dialect and because they were seen as uncouth by their fellow-Greeks to the south, they were referred to as "barbarians" by some authors.[6] The neighbors of the Epirotes were the Macedonians to the east and the Illyrians to the north. The Molossians were the most powerful of the Epirotes, and under their king (Pyrrhus of Epirus) they briefly challenged the power of Rome. Following the Pyrrhic victories of Pyrrhus over the Romans, however, the Epirotes fell under Roman rule and 150,000 were sold into slavery.
In the Middle Ages, Epirus came under the rule of the Byzantine Empire. In 1204, following the capture of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade, Michael Angelus Comnenus set up an independent state known as the Despotate of Epiros. During this time, the definition of Epirus came to encompass the entire region from the Ambracian Gulf to Dyrrachium (modern-day Durrës, in Albania). Some of the most important cities in Epirus, such as Gjirokastër (Argyrokastron), were founded during this period.
The Ottoman Turks annexed Epirus to their expanding empire following a long campaign between 1430-1440. Epirus would remain under Ottoman rule for almost the next 500 years. The Epirotes played a prominent part in the Greek struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire and the typical 18th-19th century costume of Epirote men, which originated from Tosk Albanians[7], the so-called Fustanella, went on to become the national costume of Greece. Epirus was not included in the independent Greek state set up in 1830, and the Epirotes would revolt again in 1854 and 1878. At the end of the Balkan wars, Epirus was divided between Greece and Albania, with members of both ethnic groups present on both sides of the border. After World War II, the Muslim Cham Albanians were expelled from Greece for collaborating with the Axis Powers, while many Greeks in Northern Epirus experienced forced Albanisation.[8] The Albanisation of the Epirotes occurred both prior to the war, during the reign of King Zog, and after the war, during the Hoxha regime.[9]
Since the end of the Cold War, many Greeks in Northern Epirus are re-discovering their Greek heritage, while the Cham Albanians have called for compensation for their lost lands. The current President of Greece, Karolos Papoulias is a native of Ioannina, Epirus.
Language
- The Albanian Epirotes, living in the areas of Laberia and Toskeria speak Tosk Albanian, a dialect of the Albanian language. Tosk Albanian is the basis of the standard Albanian language.
- The Greek Epirotes speak a Greek dialect known as Epirote or Eneipos. The dialect varies from district to district, but is readily understandable by speakers of Modern Greek. The influence of television broadcasts in standard Greek is reducing use of the dialect.
- The Aromanian communities(mainly in Metsovo and Konitsa) speak Aromanian, although due to migrations in large cities and television broadcasts the use of the language has been reduced.
Famous Epirotes
- Ali Pasha of Tepelena or Janina, the famous ruler of the Pashalik of Janina.
- Karolos Papoulias (Κάρολος Παπούλιας), the current President of the Hellenic Republic (Greece).
- Ismail Qemali, founder of the modern Albanian state.
- Naim Frasheri, national poet of Albania.
- Pyrrhus of Epirus, King of the Molossian tribe and all of Epirus from whom the expression Pyrrhic victory is named after. He challenged the power of Rome and is considered second only to Alexander the Great among ancient Greek generals.
- Pyrros Dimas (Πύρρος Δήμας), the world-famous Greek weight-lifting athlete, whose nickname is "the Lion of Himarra". He is the only weight-lifter in the world to have won four Olympic medals. Three of his medals are gold (1992 Summer Olympics, 1996 Summer Olympics, 2000 Summer Olympics) and the last one, from the Athens 2004 Olympics, is a bronze. He is considered a national hero in Greece.
See also
References
- ^ Strabo. The Geography. Book VII, Chapter 7.5 (LacusCurtius).
- ^ Plutarch, Pyrrhus (Internet Classics Archive).
- ^ Thucydides. History of the Peloponnesian War, Book II.
- ^ Strabo. The Geography. Book VII, Chapter 7.5 (LacusCurtius).
- ^ Plutarch, Pyrrhus (Internet Classics Archive).
- ^ Thucydides. History of the Peloponnesian War, Book II.
- ^ James P. Verinis, "Spiridon Loues, the Modern Foustanéla, and the Symbolic Power of Pallikariá at the 1896 Olympic Games", Journal of Modern Greek Studies 23:1 (May 2005), pp. 139-175.
- ^ Pettifer, James. "The Greek Minority in Albania - In the Aftermath of Communism". Conflict Studies Research Centre, July 2001, ISBN 1-903584-35-3, p. 7. "In contrast, Albanian governments use a much lower figure of 58,000 which rests on the unrevised definition of “minority” adopted during the communist period. Under this definition, minority status was limited to those who lived in 99 villages in the southern border areas, thereby excluding important concentrations of Greek settlement in Vlora (perhaps 8000 people in 1994) and in adjoining areas along the coast, ancestral Greek towns such as Himara, and ethnic Greeks living elsewhere throughout the country. Mixed villages outside this designated zone, even those with a clear majority of ethnic Greeks, were not considered minority areas and therefore were denied any Greek-language cultural or educational provisions. In addition, many Greeks were forcibly removed from the minority zones to other parts of the country as a product of communist population policy, an important and constant element of which was to pre-empt ethnic sources of political dissent. Greek place-names were changed to Albanian names, while use of the Greek language, prohibited everywhere outside the minority zones, was prohibited for many official purposes within them as well. Although some Greek-language education existed under communism, pupils were taught only Albanian history and culture, even in Greek-language classes at the primary level. In general, some secondary-level provisions for Greek-language education existed, but, again, only for towns and villages within the designated minority areas and with the additional proviso that there was a majority of Greek-speakers in each class in the school. Because school curricula in the Greek language in the designated minority areas were de facto identical with the standard Albanian-language curriculum, efforts to study many of the greatest works of ancient Greek literature were rendered impossible. Nor, with the exception of archaeology (which flourished during the communist period), was it possible to study other aspects of classical Hellenistic culture once opportunities for travel abroad to Moscow State University ended following Albania’s 1961 break with the Soviet Union."
- ^ [http://www.da.mod.uk/colleges/arag/document-listings/balkan/G97 Pettifer, James.