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

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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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!

15. 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

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