The Spread of Hellenistic Culture

Hellenistic Culture Blend of Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and Indian cultures Koine-popular spoken language used in Hellenistic cities (dialect of Greek)

Alexandria Thriving commerce International community Alexander’s tomb Egyptian city becomes center of Hellenistic civilization Thriving commerce International community Egyptian and Aegean world Alexander’s tomb Alexandria’s Lighthouse

Museum at Ancient Alexandria Temple dedicated to the Muses, Greek goddesses of Arts and Sciences Contain art galleries, a zoo, a botanical gardens, dining hall Contained an observatory where studied planets and stars

Library Holds ½ million masterpieces of ancient literature 1st research library in world Scholars produced commentaries on the classical literature

Why might Alexander have founded a library?

Science and Technology Alexandria’s scholars preserve Greek and Egyptian learning Held most of the scientific knowledge used in the West until 16th and 17th centuries

Aristarchus Astronomer that proves sun is 300x larger than Earth Proposes planets revolve around sun; not accepted for 14 centuries

Ptolemy Astronomer that places Earth at center of Solar System Accepted this for 14 centuries

Eratosthenes-estimated the circumference of the Earth

Mathematics and Physics Euclid—mathematician; Elements the basis for courses in geometry Archimedes—scientist; idea of pi; Archimedes screw; compound pulley

Mathematicians cont. Pythagoras-Pythagorean Theorem

Why might astronomy, math, and physics have been promoted in Alexandria?

Hippocrates Father of Medicine Hippocratic Oath- “I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked.” “Whatever, in connection with my professional practice or not, in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret.”

Philosophy Zeno Stoicism—founded by Zeno; promoted virtuous, simple lives; human desires, power, and wealth were dangerous distractions Epicureanism—founded by Epicurus (see picture); gods had no interest in humans; virtuous conduct; things that can be perceived by the 5 senses; moderation in all things Epicurus

Hellenistic Art Shows realism and emotion Nike of Samothrace or (Winged Victory)

Classical Art Remember Classical Art? No realism or emotion

More Hellenistic Art

More Hellenistic Art Venus de Milo-The Louvre in Paris

Colossus of Rhodes Bronze statue over 100 feet tall 7 Wonders of the Ancient World

Why do you think Hellenistic artists focused on realism?

Doric Columns

Ionic Columns

Corinthian Columns

What do you think was the greatest scientific advance of the Hellenistic period? Why?

Ancient Olympics Held every four years at Olympia to honor Zeus beginning around 776 BC At first-lasted only one day and had only one contest-a race (stade) Later-wrestling, long jump, javelin, discus throw, and more races Free men who spoke Greek Prize-crown of olive leaves; statues; free meals Stopped in 393 AD; Modern Olympics—1800’s AD

Greek Contributions Mythology Euclid’s geometry textbook Pythagorean Theorem Direct democracy Drama Classical architecture (including 3 types of columns) Lever, pulley, and pump Estimate of Earth’s circumference Philosophy Olympics Homer’s epics Astronomy Sculpture