1. The Spread of Hellenistic Culture

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. Why might Alexander have founded a library?

7. 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

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

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

10. Eratosthenes-estimated the circumference of the Earth

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

12. Mathematicians cont.
Pythagoras-Pythagorean Theorem

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

14. 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.”

15. 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

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

17. Classical Art
Remember Classical Art?
No realism or emotion

18. More Hellenistic Art

19. More Hellenistic Art
Venus de Milo-The Louvre in Paris

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

21. Why do you think Hellenistic artists focused on realism?

22. Doric Columns

23. Ionic Columns

24. Corinthian Columns

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

26. 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

27. 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