Medism: the origin and significance of the term

Abstract

To designate collaborating with Persia, the Greeks employed the verbΜηδίζω‘side with the Medes’ or the nounΜηδισμός‘leaning toward the Medes, Medism’, both derived fromΜῆδος. Since this seemingly inappropriate terminology has attracted only limited consideration, a thorough discussion of its usage in Greek literature may help to clarify Greek relations with the Achaemenid empire throughout the classical period. After a brief preliminary discussion I consider the more problematic aspects of thisterminus technicus.It may be observed initially that such terms characterized the political relationships within the Greek world, and were encouraged by the struggle of eachpolisto maintain its independence and preserve its distinctive cultural qualities. For example, such terms as ‘Atticizing’ (Thuc. iii 62.2, 64.5) and ‘Laconizing’ (X.Hell.iv 4.2) arise during the contention for leadership in the Greek world in the late fifth and early fourth centuries.

Klasik Yunan Dünyasında Pers-Severlik Oluşumu

“…Megabyzoi as the supreme neokoroi of the temple of Artemis of Ephesus could be counted as the most famous neocoroi of Classical Greece since the Achaemenid period. The presence of a subsequence of the religious officials with a Persian name/title (Megabyzos) demonstrates the reality of the presence of a Persian or at least a Philo-Persian priesthood house at the most popular Greek temples 18 For more information see. Schmitt, 2004.…”

“…Herodotus has used ἀθάνατος-athánatos phrase that means immortals. "Dear to the immortals" has a ambiguous meaning; The Immortals 18 of the Achaemenid Empire or The gods and immortal divines. This notion is in the subsequence of the former divination of Delphi about giving the godship power to the Persians.…”

“…The explanation of Medism word by David Frank Graf would be one of the first comprehensive studies on the Philo-Persianism as a Greek concept. Graf in "(1984). "Medism: The Origin and Significance of the Term".…”

“…104" speaks about the different dimensions of Medism. I think his concentration on the reasons of using Medism word for "siding with the Persians" is the most important part of his article (Graf, 1984).…”