Hospitality in the Ancient World: Tolerance and War

Hospitality has long been recognized as a crucial element in human interactions. In ancient Greece, the act of ξενία, or hosting a stranger, was a sacred duty and a bond between the host and guest that extended beyond the initial encounter. The tradition of ξενία was built upon a set of values and practices that included offering food, clothing, and assistance to the guest and establishing a reciprocal relationship of mutual protection. In modern society, however, the concept of hospitality has been replaced by suspicion and even hostility towards strangers. Fear and indifference often prevent people from engaging with others outside of their own circles, leading to a lack of concern for the well-being of others. This has led to an increase in violence, particularly in urban areas, and a lack of compassion towards refugees and other displaced individuals. In light of the current refugee crisis in Europe, governments are grappling with the challenge of providing a safe haven for these individuals, while many citizens are wary of their arrival. This chapter proposes a new approach to the Greek tradition of hospitality by examining the values and practices that underlie the concept of ξενία. Drawing on a range of sources, including Homeric poems, Euripides’ tragedies, Herodotus’ history, Xenophon’s works, and Aristotle’s philosophical writings, the chapter explores the vocabulary associated with hospitality, including concepts such as friendship, sacred law, customary law, justice, and honour. By delving into these concepts, the chapter argues that the act of ξενία establishes a world of peaceful coexistence in the social and political realm, and that this idea should be a theoretical goal for contemporary society.