The Spread of Greek Culture Chapter 5, Section 4 The Spread of Greek Culture

Section Introduction This section describes the spread of Hellenistic culture in the wake of Alexander’s empire and the achievements of many great philosophers, writers, and scientists.

Terms To Know Epicureanism: belief that people should seek out pleasure to be happy Stoicism: belief that people should follow reason and do their duty to find happiness

Terms To Know astronomer: person who studies the stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies Plane geometry: branch of math that shows how points, lines, angles, and surfaces relate to one another solid geometry: branch of math that studies spheres and cylinders

People to Meet

The Spread of Greek Culture Greek Culture Spreads Philosophers, poets, scientists, and writers moved to the new Greek cities in southwest Asia, particularly Alexandria, during the Hellenistic Era. Hellenistic kings wanted to make their cities like those in Greece, so they hired Greek architects and sculptors. The writers of the Hellenistic Era produced a large body of literature. (page 183)

Greek Culture Spreads (cont.) The Spread of Greek Culture Greek Culture Spreads (cont.) Appolonius wrote the epic poem Argonautica, recounting the legend of Jason and his band of heroes. Theocritus wrote short poems about beauty and nature. Athenians still created plays, but the plays of the Hellenistic Era were about love and relationships. (page 183)

The Spread of Greek Culture Why were the cities of southwest Asia lands of opportunity for artisans, scientists, philosophers, and writers? The rulers of these cities wanted them to be like the cultural centers of Greece. To achieve that goal, the rulers needed the services of artisans, scientists, philosophers, and writers.

The Spread of Greek Culture Philosophy Epicurus, the founder of Epicureanism, taught that happiness was the goal of life. Stoicism was developed by a Phoenician named Zeno. This philosophy believes that happiness comes from reason, not emotions. (page 184)

The Spread of Greek Culture How does our definition of epicurean today differ from the Hellenistic Era definition? Today the word means love of physical pleasure. In the Hellenistic Era, the word meant pleasure from spending time with friends and not worrying.

The Spread of Greek Culture Greek Science and Math Astronomers study the stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies. Aristarchus was an astronomer who claimed that the sun was at the center of the universe and that Earth revolved around the sun. Eratosthenes was an astronomer who believed that the earth was round and measured Earth’s circumference. (pages 185–186)

Greek Science and Math (cont.) The Spread of Greek Culture Greek Science and Math (cont.) Euclid, one of the most famous Greek mathematicians, described plane geometry. Plane geometry is the study of points, lines, angles, and surfaces. Archimedes was the most famous scientist of the Hellenistic Era. (pages 185–186)

Greek Science and Math (cont.) The Spread of Greek Culture Greek Science and Math (cont.) He worked on solid geometry—the study of spheres and cylinders. He also determined the value of pi, a number used to measure the area of circles. Archimedes invented the catapult, among other weapons. (pages 185–186)

Chapter 5, Section 4 Greek Science and Math (pages 185–186) Earth circles the sun Solid geometry Major Contributions of Hellenistic Scientists pi lever catapult Earth is round Plane geometry

The Spread of Greek Culture What did other astronomers believe about Aristarchus’ idea that the sun was at the center of the universe? Other scientists thought Aristarchus was wrong. They believed Earth was the center of the universe. They thought the sun revolved around Earth.

The Spread of Greek Culture Why did the city of Alexandria attract scholars? Alexandria had a large library and museum.

The Spread of Greek Culture Describe the form of philosophy developed by Zeno. He developed Stoicism, which states happiness comes from following reason and duty is important.

The Spread of Greek Culture Compare and Contrast How were the comedies of the Hellenistic Era and those of Greece’s Golden Age similar and different? Similar: made people laugh; Different: focused on love and relationships, not criticizing people in power

What were the differences between Epicureanism and Stoicism? Epicureans believed that happiness came from seeking out pleasure. Stoics believed that happiness came from following reason and doing your duty.

Review Who was the most famous scientist of the Hellenistic Era? What did he contribute? Archimedes; he worked on solid geometry and figured out the value of pi.

The Spread of Greek Culture Analyze How would knowledge of geometry be helpful to the Greeks? It helped them to construct buildings and bridges, determine distances, and design machines.

The Spread of Greek Culture Identify What did the Epicureans believe about happiness? They believed that happiness is the goal of life.