There WAS a concept of nationality in Greece in ancient times. In the Persian wars, the Spartans were afraid that the Atheneans could sign a treaty with Xerxes after his invasion in Greece.So they sent envoys to Athens to ask them what they are going to do.The answer was that the Spartans should not be afraid and one of the reasons is this:
"there is the bond of Hellenic race, by which we are of one blood and of one speech, the common temples of the gods and the common sacrifices, the manners of life which are the same for all; to these it would not be well that the Athenians should become traitors. And be assured of this, if by any chance ye were not assured of it before, that so long as one of the Athenians remains alive, we will never make an agreement with Xerxes. "
Herodotus HISTORY Book Ourania 9.144 Translation tr. G. C. Macaulay
Common blood,common language,common religion,common manners of life.
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