Messenian
/məˈsiːniən/noun
Relating to Messenia, an ancient region in the southwestern Peloponnese of Greece, or its people.
Did you know?The Messenians were reduced by Sparta to helot status after the Messenian Wars, but a revolt eventually helped establish the independent state of Messenia in the fourth century BCE.
Etymological Timeline
Archaic Greek
Greek
Μεσσήνη (Messḗnē)
“The name of the region and its legendary eponymous heroine, Messene; the deeper origin of the name is uncertain.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Μεσσήνιος (Messḗnios)
“Of Messenia or a Messenian person.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
Messēnius
“Messenian; relating to Messenia.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
Messeniānus
“Pertaining to the Messenians or their territory.”
17th Century
English
Messenian
“An English adjective and noun referring to Messenia or its inhabitants.”
Modern English
English
Messenian
“Relating to Messenia, its people, or its ancient history.”
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