Greeks, however, remained aware of their past, chiefly through the study of the works of Homer and the classical authors. An important factor in maintaining Greek identity was contact with barbarian (non-Greek) peoples, which was deepened in the new cosmopolitan environment of the multi-ethnic Hellenistic kingdoms.
How did the cites remind themselves of their beginnings ?
Greeks, however, remained aware of their past, chiefly through the study of the works of Homer and the classical authors.