Hellenistic Synthesis 323-30 B.C.E

Demise – Empire and Alexander Dies, Babylon 323 B.C.E – 32/33 years old “Let the job go to the strongest” Wife and 13 sons murdered Generals fight for power 3 major kingdoms emerge Ptolemy Seleucid Antigonid

Alexander – the great? Read Green’s discussion and answer the following questions: What seems to be the basis for Green’s interpretation of Alexander’s exploits? Would you consider Alexander a hero or a villain? How might America’s involvement in foreign affairs today impact the scholarly interpretation of Alexander the Great?

What is the Hellenistic Age? N Africa and W Asia “Hellenized” Cosmopolitan Age Large kingdoms Heterogeneous populations Long distance trade Powerful bureaucracies Vast disparities in wealth

Prediction: Why do you think disparities might increase between the rich and the poor after Alexander’s death?

Seleucids Seleucus seizes control of Babylon and most of Alexander’s empire Soon lost Afghanistan, Indus Valley and Iran Core = Syria, Mesopotamia and Anatolia Open to attack from all sides Continue Satrapy style and Greek cities

Ptolemies Ptolemy – “King” by 321 B.C.E Ruled from Alexandria Hugely centralized government, homogenous – continued Egyptian style Encouraged Greek migration but did NOT force Hellenistic culture on people Social stratification between Greeks and Egyptians

Antigonid Macedonian homeland and N Greece Homogenous, relatively secure Strong influence over S Greece Greeks formed confederations Sparta continued to proclaim independence Athens “neutral” Became a “shrine” to Greek past – Universities & libraries

What was the most important factor determining the success of the Hellenistic Empires?

The spread of Hellenism Case Study Alexandria Mausoleum of Alexander, Harbor and Lighthouse of Alexandria Library, Museum, “House of the Muses” Greek polis, public baths, gymnasiums Ethnic quarters Greek culture connected to power, wealth and prestige “Being Greek” connected to language and life not physical Ideas from across the empire came together as people migrated

To what extent was Alexander the Great responsible for the spread of Greek culture? Should be receive credit or the empires that came after him? Explain.