[ noun ] the principles and ideals associated with classical Greek civilization <noun.cognition>
Hellenism \Hel"len*ism\, n. [Gr. ?: cf. F. Hell['e]nisme.] 1. A phrase or form of speech in accordance with genius and construction or idioms of the Greek language; a Grecism. --Addison.
2. The type of character of the ancient Greeks, who aimed at culture, grace, and amenity, as the chief elements in human well-being and perfection.
The politician who was brought up on the Bible had seen the destruction of the Ottoman Empire as the great event of his time; he was sympathetic to the resurgence of Hellenism in Asia Minor.