Classical Greece 2000 B.C. – 300 B.C Chapter Five

Greece Objective Analyze the history, culture, and impact classical Greece had on the modern world

Setting the Stage…. Alexander’s ambitions were cultural, militaristic, and political Alexander actively sought to meld the conquered culture with that of the Greeks after Alexander’s death, trade, a shared Greek culture, and a common language continued to link the cities together Alexander’s death caused his empire to fall apart; however, Greek culture spread to many lands each region had its own traditional ways of life, religion, and government

Hellenistic Culture in Alexander Greek culture is also known as Hellenic Hellenistic: blending of eastern and western cultures (Greek, Persian, Indian, and Egyptian)

Trade and Cultural Diversity Alexandria – an Egyptian city – became the foremost center of commerce and Hellenistic civilization strategic site = western edge of the Nile delta in Lower Egypt Alexandria became one of the most important commercial and cultural cities in the world

Alexandria’s Attractions broad avenues Greek god statues royal palaces tomb with Alexander’s elaborate glass coffin Lighthouse called the Pharos Polished bronze mirror – reflected the light from a blazing fire at night

Alexandria’s Greatest Attractions Museum temple dedicated to the Muses Greek goddesses of arts and science contained galleries / a zoo / botanical gardens / dining hall institute of advanced study

Alexandria’s Greatest Attractions Library 500,000 papyrus scrolls masterpieces of ancient literature first true research library in the world promoted the work of a gifted group of scholars

Science and Technology Astronomy Alexandria’s museum contained a small observatory Aristarchus (AR*ih*STAHR*kuhs) reached two significant scientific conclusions estimated the Sun was at least 3000 times larger than Earth proposed the Earth and the other planets revolve around the Sun other astronomers refused to support Aristarchus’ theory second century A.D. = Ptolemy places earth at the center of the solar system = incorrect Ptolemy’s theory lasted for fourteen centuries until the scientific revolution

Science and Technology Mathematics Euclid highly regarded mathematician who taught in Alexandria Elements – best-known book – contained 465 carefully presented geometry propositions and proofs work is still the basis for courses in geometry

Science and Technology Mathematics Archimedes (AHR*kuh*MEE*deez) studied at Alexandria accurately estimated the value of pi (π) pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter explained the law of the lever

Philosophy and Art the teachings of Plato and Aristotle were very influential in Hellenistic philosophy third century B.C. philosophers became concerned with how people should live their lives Zeno founded Stoicism (STOH*ih*SIHZ*uhm) people should live virtuous lives in harmony with the will or natural laws of god human desires / power / wealth = dangerous distractions promoted social unity encouraged its followers to focus on what they could control

Philosophy and Art Epicurus (EHP*uh*KYUR*uhs) founded Epicureanism gods who had no interest in humans ruled the universe believed only real objects were those that the five senses perceived greatest good and the highest pleasure came from virtuous conduct and the absence of pain proposed that the main goal of humans was to achieve harmony of body and mind

Realism in Sculpture ** Colossus of Rhodes largest Hellenistic sculpture ** one of the seven Ancient Wonders of the World earthquake destroyed metal was sold as scrap another famous statue – Nike - was found on Rhodes As the Hellenistic World was on the decline, Rome was beginning to grow!

Essential Question What do you think was the greatest scientific advance of the Hellenistic period? Justify your answer. Write three complete sentences in the summary location on your note sheet

Greece Objective Analyze the history, culture, and impact classical Greece had on the modern world