Alexander, king of Macedon, conquered territory from Greece to India and created Hellenistic culture, in which Greek and Eastern cultures merged.
Alexander's Conquests (334〜323 BCE)
- Philip II of Macedon unified Greece, and his son Alexander succeeded him
- Destroyed the Persian Empire and campaigned as far as Egypt, West Asia, Central Asia, and India
- Built many cities, including Alexandria (spreading Greek-language culture)
- In 323 BCE, died suddenly at Babylon at the age of 32
Hellenistic Culture
After Alexander's death, the empire was divided into three parts. However, Greek (Koine) spread as a common language, and Hellenistic culture flourished as Greek culture merged with Eastern (Oriental and Egyptian) cultures.
Science: Archimedes (the principle of the lever), Eratosthenes (calculation of the Earth's circumference)
Philosophy: Stoicism and Epicureanism (emphasizing individual peace)
After Alexander's death, the empire was divided into three parts. However, Greek (Koine) spread as a common language, and Hellenistic culture flourished as Greek culture merged with Eastern (Oriental and Egyptian) cultures.
Science: Archimedes (the principle of the lever), Eratosthenes (calculation of the Earth's circumference)
Philosophy: Stoicism and Epicureanism (emphasizing individual peace)
Key Points
- Hellenism = the fusion of Greek and Eastern cultures
- The common language, Koine Greek, spread from the Mediterranean to India
- Science and philosophy developed greatly
Practice Questions
- What great Eastern empire did Alexander destroy?
- What was the name of the common Greek language that spread during the Hellenistic period?
- Who was the scientist of the Hellenistic period known for the principle of the lever?
Answers
- Achaemenid Persian Empire
- Koine
- Archimedes