Scenarios of Aegean and Greek presence in the Near East and identity construction: a perspective from the Early Iron Age Syro-Anatolian sources

The aim of this article is to consider the question of the formation of Greek identity and the adoption of symbols expressing such identity from the perspective illustrated by Near Eastern sources. First step in the investigation is the critical review of the studies concerning selected aspects of the transition from the Late Bronze Age international circulation to the new relationships that characterize the early Iron Age. The analysis then focuses on dynamics of local identity construction observable within the Syro-Anatolian polities and on their contacts with Aegean areas and Greek communities. It appears that the memories of a widespread, polyphonic and polymorphic representational and communication system of political power over time became the substance of an idealized contraposition and provided material for the later construction of Greek identity.