Foreignness negotiated

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The theme of ethnicity in the ancient Greek world has garnered significant scholarly attention, particularly regarding the historical development of Greek identity and its literary representation during the classical period. Key texts from the fifth century, especially Attic drama, delve into the Greek-barbarian distinction, often reflecting a morally charged perspective that suggests a sense of Greek superiority over foreigners, particularly Easterners. However, a close examination of seminal works from this era reveals that the heightened focus on the Greek-barbarian opposition leads to a robust exploration of its complexities and contradictions. This scrutiny systematically challenges the opposition on three levels: conceptual, factual, and ethical. The discourse on ethnicity in ancient Greece thus transcends mere assertions of superiority, engaging with the nuanced realities of identity and cultural interaction in a way that invites deeper reflection on the implications of these distinctions. Through this lens, the literature of the time becomes a rich site for understanding not only the construction of Greek identity but also the broader dynamics of cultural exchange and conflict in the ancient world.