About Alfred Baeumler’s Nietzsche. 4. ‘Hellas and Germania’

The article ‘Hellas and Germania’ by Alfred Baeumler explores the relationship between ancient Greece and modern Germany. Baeumler discusses Nietzsche's relationship with Winckelmann in his work on the conquest of German Hellenism. He notes that Nietzsche was deeply influenced by Winckelmann's insights into the Hellenic world and saw himself as continuing Winckelmann's work. Baeumler argues that Nietzsche believed that subsequent scholars had failed to fully appreciate the essence of the Hellenic spirit, and that he saw himself as carrying on Winckelmann's legacy in this regard. He also notes that Nietzsche believed that the Germans had a special affinity with the Hellenic world, and that he saw Winckelmann and Goethe as examples of this connection.