Ancient Communication: The Languages and Scripts of Greeks and Romans

Is it true that both Greeks and Romans spoke Latin? Or did the Greeks retain their linguistic identity even as the Romans expanded their empire? This article explores the languages and scripts of ancient Greece and Rome, highlighting their unique linguistic histories and the role of different writing systems in their communication.

Language of the Greeks

The ancient Greeks spoke Ancient Greek, which was their primary language, often referred to as their mother tongue. This language evolved in several dialects, such as Ionic, Attic, and Hellenistic Koine (common) Greek. In the Hellenistic period, Koine Greek became a dominant language across the Mediterranean, alongside Latin.

As Greek culture and influence expanded, so did the importance of the Greek language. However, the Romans, who conquered much of the Hellenistic world, initially maintained their own linguistic practices. Over time, however, the Roman aristocracy, including figures like Cato the Censor, recognized the need to learn Greek to maintain their status and communicate effectively across their empire. By the 150s BCE, there was a growing trend among the upper class in the Roman Republic to learn and use Greek.

Languages and Scripts of Ancient Rome

The Romans, on the other hand, spoke Latin. Latin was the primary language of Rome and, through the Roman Empire, became widely spoken across Western Europe. However, as the empire expanded, Latin evolved and adapted to suit the needs of different regions and communities.

After the Roman conquest of the Greek peninsula, there was a significant increase in the use of Greek among the upper class. By 512 CE, as noted by Boetius, the knowledge of Greek among the Roman elite had declined. Boetius consequently undertook the monumental task of translating Platonic and Aristotelian works into Latin. His efforts were part of a broader movement to standardize and systematize knowledge across the empire.

Monastic Writing Systems and the Evolution of Language

Monastic writing systems played a crucial role in the evolution and transmission of both Greek and Latin languages. Monks, priests, and high priests were instrumental in the development and transcription of texts using religious scripts. These writing systems were not limited to a single language, as seen in the case of Hiberno Latin and Hiberno Greek.

Monastic writing systems included the use of different alphabets, known as Monastic scripts, reflecting their origins in various regions. For example, the Irish Monks developed a unique version of Latin known as Hiberno Latin, which incorporated vocabulary and components from British, Irish, Greek, and Hebrew languages. Similarly, Greek Monks used a style known as Hiberno Greek, which followed the same principles but with a different writing system.

The Role of Monastic Settlements and Communication

Monastic settlements, often established near coastlines, rivers, and important trade routes, facilitated the spread and preservation of written knowledge. Monks, being highly educated and involved in scriptural work, were more likely to understand and use the languages found in monastic manuscripts, such as Greek and Latin. This was particularly true for roles such as monks, priests, and high priests, as well as educated individuals in fields like science, trade, and diplomacy.

However, not everyone in these settlements necessarily spoke the languages transcribed in the monastic manuscripts. Monastic languages were often more closely associated with international trade and communication and were primarily used in religious contexts. For example, authors like Origen of Alexandria and Cyril of Alexandria used Greek to write works such as Contra Celsum, which were eventually transcribed into Latin using the Latin alphabet.

Conclusion: Languages in Ancient Communication

The languages and scripts of ancient Greece and Rome were integral to the communication and cultural exchange between these civilizations. While the Greeks maintained their linguistic identity and the Romans adopted Latin as their primary language, both were influenced by the spread of Hellenistic culture and the needs of the expanding Roman Empire. The role of monastic writing systems in these linguistic exchanges was significant, preserving and adapting texts for a wide array of users and purposes.