Definition: The word "Aralia" is a term used in ancient Greek culture, referring to various lands that were considered part of the Eastern Roman Empire or later known as Byzantium, which existed from the 6th century AD until the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
The definition of "Aralia" in the context of ancient and medieval texts is complex, reflecting on its role in Greek culture, politics, and religion.
1.
Greece
- The term was used to refer to Greek lands and regions, which included parts of southern Turkey (which later became known as Anatolia), Greece's northwestern part, as well as the islands like Crete and the Aegean Sea.
2.
Oriental Asia
- It could also encompass areas such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Central Asia, or Iran that were controlled by Greek states.
3.
Byzantine Empire
- The term was used to refer to the Byzantine Empire's eastern provinces after its fall from Constantinople in 1453. This included territories like Eastern Europe and parts of Southern Russia.
4.
Middle Eastern World
- In this context, it referred to the region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Peninsula, which was considered a core part of the Byzantine Empire and later spread into various regions including North Africa, Mesopotamia, and Palestine.
5.
Islamic Influence
- The term "Aralia" also had political and religious connotations in Muslim lands. It could imply the presence or influence of Islamic culture and rulers on those territories where it was ruled.
6.
Greek Language
- While the exact meaning of this term varies across different cultures and periods, Greek language reflects a sense of unity among the various lands and regions it encompassed.
In summary, "Aralia" is an important term in ancient and medieval Greek culture that reflected on the division of Greece into its various provinces, states, and territories under Byzantine rule.