Did Ancient Greeks Speak Modern Greek?

It is a common misconception that ancient Greeks spoke the language known today as Modern Greek. However, it is important to understand the historical and linguistic evolution of the Greek language to clarify the relationship between Ancient and Modern Greek.

The Language of Ancient Greeks

The language spoken by the ancient Greeks, known as Ancient Greek or Classical Greek, had a rich history and played a significant role in literature, philosophy, and science. It was used from around the 9th century BC until the 4th century AD. Unlike Modern Greek, which has evolved over time, Ancient Greek was characterized by its grammatical complexity and vivid vocabulary.

The Evolution of Greek Language

Following the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453, the Greek language continued to evolve, incorporating elements of Turkish and Arabic due to the Ottoman occupation of Greece from the 15th to the 19th centuries. This period saw significant changes in the grammar and pronunciation of the language, leading to the emergence of the standardized form of Modern Greek based on Demotic Greek in the early 19th century.

Similarities Between Ancient and Modern Greek

Despite the significant changes that have occurred over the centuries, there are striking similarities between Ancient and Modern Greek. In fact, a speaker of Modern Greek can easily comprehend texts from ancient times, including those from the 5th century BC, such as the works of Pericles. With some additional study, they can also understand texts from the 9th century BC, such as Homer's epics.

Linguistic Differences and Similarities

The ancient Greek language, while different from Modern Greek, belongs to the same linguistic lineage. Mycenean Greek, spoken between 1600-1200 BC, is considered an early form of Greek, though the writing system, Linear B, was not fully capable of representing its nuances. Despite these differences, much of the vocabulary in Modern Greek is related to that of Ancient Greek, and the syntax remains largely similar, contributing to the longevity and survival of the language.

Today, Modern Greek is the official language of Greece and Cyprus and is spoken by millions of people worldwide. Its standardized form, based on Demotic Greek, reflects the linguistic evolution that has taken place since the ancient era, preserving many aspects of the language of Pericles and Homer.