Alexander the Great & Hellenistic Culture

Setting the Scene… After the Peloponnesian War, many Greek city-states were severely WEAKENEDAfter the Peloponnesian War, many Greek city-states were severely WEAKENED Rapid decline in military & economic powerRapid decline in military & economic power What are your predictions for ancient Greece???What are your predictions for ancient Greece???

Macedonia

Macedonia Large kingdom north of GreeceLarge kingdom north of Greece Ruled by King Philip IIRuled by King Philip II Wanted to take control of Greece, as well as PersiaWanted to take control of Greece, as well as Persia

Macedonia In order to take control of Greece Phillip II trained a deadly armyIn order to take control of Greece Phillip II trained a deadly army Meanwhile in Greece…Meanwhile in Greece…

Macedonian Rule The Greeks realized that Philip was a threat, but could not agree on a course of actionThe Greeks realized that Philip was a threat, but could not agree on a course of action By the time an agreement had been made, it was too lateBy the time an agreement had been made, it was too late King Philip successfully defeated Greece!King Philip successfully defeated Greece!

Macedonian Rule Greece was no longer independent; under Macedonian controlGreece was no longer independent; under Macedonian control When King Philip II died his son took control of the empireWhen King Philip II died his son took control of the empire Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great

Alexander was determined to carry out the second part of his father’s planAlexander was determined to carry out the second part of his father’s plan INVADE PERSIA…INVADE PERSIA… Macedonian Rule

Alexander the Great

Successfully conquered PersiaSuccessfully conquered Persia Successfully conquered/liberated Egypt from Persian control; founded the city of AlexandriaSuccessfully conquered/liberated Egypt from Persian control; founded the city of Alexandria Accomplishments

Failures Attempted to conquer India, but eventually failedAttempted to conquer India, but eventually failed After reaching Babylon, Alexander the Great died at the age of 32After reaching Babylon, Alexander the Great died at the age of 32

HUGE CULTURAL IMPACTHUGE CULTURAL IMPACT Blended many different culturesBlended many different cultures Resulted in a NEW culture:Resulted in a NEW culture: Hellenistic CultureHellenistic Culture Alexander’s Legacy

Hellenistic Culture:Hellenistic Culture: Greek + Persian + Egyptian + Indian influencesGreek + Persian + Egyptian + Indian influences

Hellenistic Culture

A New Language? New Language:New Language: Koine (comes from the Greek word for ‘common’)Koine (comes from the Greek word for ‘common’) Allowed for a common means of communication throughout the Hellenistic worldAllowed for a common means of communication throughout the Hellenistic world

Trade & Diversity Alexandria, Egypt:Alexandria, Egypt: Located on the Nile RiverLocated on the Nile River The cultural & trading center of Hellenistic civilizationThe cultural & trading center of Hellenistic civilization

Scholars in Alexandria preserved Greek & Egyptian learning in the sciencesScholars in Alexandria preserved Greek & Egyptian learning in the sciences Science & Technology

Scientific Achievements:Scientific Achievements: Sun BIGGER than the earthSun BIGGER than the earth Earth & other planets REVOLVE around sunEarth & other planets REVOLVE around sun The circumference of earthThe circumference of earth Science & Technology

Mathematics Euclid:Euclid: GeometryGeometry Archimedes:Archimedes: Value of Pi, law of the leverValue of Pi, law of the lever Pythagoras:Pythagoras: Pythagorean TheoremPythagorean Theorem

Sculpture Flourished during the Hellenistic AgeFlourished during the Hellenistic Age Statues were made to honor gods, commemorate heroes & portray ordinary people in everyday situationsStatues were made to honor gods, commemorate heroes & portray ordinary people in everyday situations

Decline of Hellenistic Culture

By 150 BC Hellenistic civilization was in decline…By 150 BC Hellenistic civilization was in decline… A new city called ROME was growing & gaining strength during this timeA new city called ROME was growing & gaining strength during this time The Decline

Through the city of Rome, Greek drama, architecture, sculpture & philosophy were preservedThrough the city of Rome, Greek drama, architecture, sculpture & philosophy were preserved The CORE of western civilization…The CORE of western civilization…