The Epirus Chaons: In Search of National Identity

Abstract

Introduction. The Chaons, a tribe that lived in the north of Epirus, were considered barbarians in the eyes of the Greeks for a long time in the eyes of the Hellenes. As they became involved in general Greek affairs, their natural desire was to prove their Hellenic origin, for which they resorted to the tried and tested way of creating a heroic genealogy, choosing the Trojan mythical hero Helenus as an eponym.

Materials and methods. The research is based on narrative sources presented by ancient authors, as well as on monuments of material culture, which include terracotta and votive tablets. Their comparison and comprehensive research allows us to reach the necessary conclusions.

Analysis. The Epirus tribes of the Chaons, who lived on the periphery of the Greek world and were considered barbarians in the eyes of the latter, sought to prove their Hellenic origin with the help of mythology. They chose Helenus, the son of King Priam, who possessed the gift of foresight, as the eponym of the tribe. The ancient Greek myths of Neotolemus and Helene were later supplemented by Roman authors who derived the Romans from their Trojan ancestors.

Results. Thus, by creating a heroic genealogy, the Chaons proved their Greek origin. The peculiarity of this process was that the royal power of the Chaons was abolished. On the other hand, the idea of the Trojan origin of the Chaons in order to deduce the origin of the Romans from their Trojan ancestors was picked up and developed by Roman authors. Thus, both the Chaons and the Romans received legendary and heroic ancestors.