The phrase was originally used by the Greek s to denote the land inhabited by themselves, in contrast with barbarian countries; afterward, when the Greek s became subject to the Romans , the entire Roman world; still later, for the whole inhabited world .
"Kwaqala kwasetshenziswa amaGrikhi ukusho izwe elihlalwa wedwa, ngokungafani namazwe angenasimbe; emva kwalokho, lapho amaGrikhi ezithobela amaRoma, 'umhlaba wonke wamaRoma;' Kamuva, 'emhlabeni wonke owakhiwe' '.