Hellenistic

The Hellenistic period covers the era in Ancient Greece from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC to the emergence of the Roman Empire as signified by the Battle of Actium in 31 BC and the subsequent conquest of Ptolemaic Egypt the following year. The term "Hellenistic" is derived from the word "Hellene," which was the term used by ancient Greeks for themselves. This period is characterized by the spread of Greek culture across a vast part of the world, from the western Mediterranean to Asia.

Overview

Following the death of Alexander the Great, his empire was divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi, leading to the formation of several Hellenistic kingdoms. The most prominent of these were the Seleucid Empire, the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, and the Antigonid dynasty in Macedonia. These new kingdoms were not mere replicas of the polis, but cosmopolitan states.

The Hellenistic period was marked by a remarkable cultural and scientific flourishing. Greek became the lingua franca across these territories, facilitating the exchange of ideas and knowledge. This era saw significant advancements in the fields of philosophy, literature, theater, architecture, and science. The famous Library of Alexandria and the associated Museum of Alexandria were central intellectual hubs during this time.

Culture

Hellenistic culture was a blend of Greek and local elements, which is evident in the diverse art, architecture, and religious practices of the time. In art, the period is noted for its new realism, as seen in sculptures such as the Venus de Milo and the Dying Gaul. In literature, figures like Theocritus and Callimachus pioneered new forms such as pastoral poetry and the epigram.

Philosophy

Philosophy flourished with schools like the Stoic, Epicurean, and Skeptical schools developing further the philosophical traditions of the classical era. The Cynic philosophers continued to advocate for a life in accordance with nature, devoid of unnecessary luxuries.

Science

In science, the Hellenistic period was a time of great achievements. Archimedes of Syracuse made substantial contributions in the fields of mathematics, physics, and engineering. The astronomer Hipparchus is known for creating the first comprehensive star catalog in the Western world. Meanwhile, Eratosthenes accurately calculated the circumference of the Earth and also developed the concept of latitude and longitude.

Decline

The decline of the Hellenistic kingdoms began with the growing power of Rome. The Roman conquest of Greece was completed in 146 BC when Corinth was sacked and its inhabitants enslaved. The final blow came with the fall of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt in 30 BC, marking the end of the Hellenistic era and the beginning of the Roman period.

Legacy

The Hellenistic period left a lasting impact on the history of the world. It was instrumental in the spread of Greek culture and language throughout the Mediterranean and into Asia, which would later serve as a foundation for the Roman and Byzantine Empires. The blend of cultures during this era laid the groundwork for the later development of the Christian and Islamic civilizations.