Doric tribe
Introduction
The Doric tribe, also known as the Dorians, were one of the four major ethnic groups among which the Hellenes (or Greeks) of Classical Greece considered themselves divided (along with the Aeolians, Ionians, and Achaeans). They are almost universally considered to have been one of the proto-Greek populations, along with the Aeolians and Ionians.
Origin and Historical Background
The Dorians were a Greek tribe that occupied the Peloponnese starting in the 12th century BC. They are often credited with the Dorian invasion, a concept devised by historians of Ancient Greece to explain the replacement of pre-classical dialects and traditions in southern Greece by the ones that prevailed in Classical Greece. The invaders came to be known as Dorians, displacing the older Dorian tribes of Crete and the Peloponnese, which have been fused in Greek mythological memory under the name "Achaeans".
Language and Dialect
The Dorians spoke Doric Greek, a distinct dialect of the Greek language. This dialect slowly replaced most of the older dialects, although Ionic dialect remained in use in the eastern parts of Greece. The Doric dialect is characterized by its unique grammar and vocabulary, which set it apart from other Greek dialects.
Society and Culture
Dorian society was characterized by its military and agrarian focus. The Dorians were traditionally associated with activities such as warfare, farming, and physical prowess. Their society was divided into three classes: the warrior aristocracy, the free citizens, and the serfs (or helots). The Dorians were known for their discipline and military skill, and their phalanx formation played a significant role in Greek warfare.
In terms of culture, the Dorians were less advanced than some other Greek tribes. Their art and architecture were simpler and less ornate, but they had a distinctive style that was robust and functional. The Doric order, one of the three orders of classical architecture, is named after them.
Legacy
The Dorians left a significant legacy in the form of the Doric order, one of the three orders of classical Greek architecture. The Doric order is characterized by its simplicity and strength, and it has had a profound influence on Western architecture.
The Dorians also played a significant role in the development of Greek military tactics. Their phalanx formation, a tight, disciplined formation of hoplites, was a key factor in the Greek victories over the Persians in the Persian Wars.