Graecomania

/ˌɡreɪ.koʊˈmeɪ.ni.ə/ noun

Definition

An excessive enthusiasm or obsession with Greek culture, language, or civilization.

Etymology

From 'Graeco-' (Greek prefix) combined with '-mania' from Greek 'mania' meaning 'madness' or 'excessive enthusiasm.' The compound emerged in the 18th-19th centuries to describe the intense Hellenophilia of the romantic period.

Kelly Says

During the European Renaissance and Romantic period, Graecomania was real—wealthy Europeans collected Greek sculptures, learned ancient Greek, and modeled their societies on ancient Athens, much like how people today obsess over specific fandoms.

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