Why did Greek become the world language?

Greek did not become the world language in the way that English has in the modern era. While Greek was incredibly influential in many areas for a long time, it never achieved universal dominance like English has today. Here's why:

* Limited Geographic Spread: While the Greeks were skilled seafarers and traders, their influence was primarily centered in the Mediterranean region. They didn't expand to the same extent as the Roman Empire, which later adopted Greek as its official language.

* Rise of Latin: The Roman Empire, after conquering Greece, adopted Latin as its official language, leading to its widespread use throughout the empire. This dominance of Latin ultimately eclipsed Greek's potential for global expansion.

* No "Global" Concept: The concept of a "world language" didn't exist in the ancient world. Trade and communication were regionalized, and language was primarily tied to political and cultural spheres of influence.

* Greek's Persistence: While it didn't become a global language, Greek remained a significant language for centuries, serving as the language of science, philosophy, and art in the Roman world. It also played a significant role in the development of Christianity.

* Modern Revival: Greek has seen a resurgence in the modern era as the official language of Greece and Cyprus, and it is spoken by millions around the world. However, it hasn't achieved the global reach of English.

In conclusion, while Greek was incredibly influential in the ancient world, its impact was primarily regional. The rise of Latin, the lack of a global communication need at the time, and the changing political landscape all contributed to Greek not becoming the world language.