<|im_start|>system
You are an AI assistant. You will be given a task. You must generate a detailed and long answer.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Please answer a question about the following article about Greeks:

Of the new eastern religions introduced into the Greek world, the most successful was Christianity. From the early centuries of the Common Era, the Greeks identified as Romaioi ("Romans"), by that time the name ‘Hellenes’ denoted pagans. While ethnic distinctions still existed in the Roman Empire, they became secondary to religious considerations and the renewed empire used Christianity as a tool to support its cohesion and promoted a robust Roman national identity. Concurrently the secular, urban civilization of late antiquity survived in the Eastern Mediterranean along with Greco-Roman educational system, although it was from Christianity that the culture's essential values were drawn.

What did the label of  Hellenes come to stand for during the Common Era of Greece ?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

During the Common Era of Greece, the label of 'Hellenes' came to stand for pagans. This shift in meaning occurred as the Greek people started identifying themselves as Romaioi ("Romans") following the introduction of new eastern religions into the Greek world, with Christianity being the most successful among them.

Under the Roman Empire, ethnic distinctions still existed but they became secondary to religious considerations. The empire saw the importance of using Christianity as a tool to support its cohesion and foster a strong Roman national identity. As a result, the term 'Hellenes,' which was once associated with ancient Greek culture and ethnicity, gradually took on a different connotation. It began to denote those who adhered to the older pagan traditions and beliefs, distinguishing them from the Christians who embraced the new faith.

Despite this transformation in the meaning of 'Hellenes,' the secular, urban civilization of late antiquity persevered in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Greco-Roman educational system remained intact, and the essence of Greek culture and its values continued to have a significant impact. However, it was through Christianity that the fundamental values of this new society were predominantly derived, leading to a fusion of Greek and Roman elements in a Christian context. Ultimately, the label of 'Hellenes' came to represent those who clung to pagan beliefs and practices, illustrating the shift in religious and cultural dynamics during the Common Era of Greece.<|im_end|>

 During the Common Era of Greece, the label of "Hellenes" came to stand for pagans, as opposed to the Romani or Romans, who were identified as Christians. This shift in terminology reflects the religious changes that were taking place in the Greek world during this time.

Prior to the rise of Christianity, the term "Hellenes" was used to refer to all the people of Greece, regardless of their religious beliefs. However, as Christianity became more widespread and gained acceptance as the dominant religion of the Roman Empire, the term "Hellenes" began to be associated with paganism.

The use of the term "Hellenes" to refer to pagans is evident in the works of early Christian writers such as Eusebius and Origen, who wrote in the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, respectively. In their writings, they use the term "Hellenes" to distinguish between Christians and pagans, with the former being referred to as "Romans" or "Romaioi."

This shift in terminology reflects the changing religious landscape of the Greek world during the Common Era. As Christianity became more dominant, it began to shape the cultural and social identity of the people, and the term "Hellenes" came to be associated with a specific set of religious beliefs and practices.

At the same time, the term "Hellenes" continued to be used to refer to all the people of Greece, regardless of their religious beliefs. This dual usage of the term reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of Greek identity during this time, as well as the ongoing tensions between paganism and Christianity.

In conclusion, during the Common Era of Greece, the label of "Hellenes" came to stand for pagans, as opposed to the Romani or Romans, who were identified as Christians. This shift in terminology reflects the religious changes that were taking place in the Greek world during this time, and highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of Greek identity during this period.<|im_end|>
