1. The Spread of Hellenistic Culture
Chapter 5
section 5

2. Key Terms
Hellenistic
Alexandria
Euclid
Archimedes
Colossus of Rhodes

3. Hellenistic Culture in Alexandria
Hellenistic- blending of cultures from Greece, Egyptian, Persian and Indian Influences
Koine- means common was a dialect of Greek
Used to communicate in cities throughout the Hellenistic world

4. Trade and Cultural Diversity
Alexandria (Egypt) center of commerce
Strategic edge of Nile Delta
Trade ships from all over the Mediterranean docked there
Third century B.C became an international community and a population of one million

5. Alexandria’s Attractions
Broad avenues with statues of Greek gods
Royal palaces
Alexander’s glass coffin
350 feet above then harbor was a lighthouse
Famous museum and library
First true research library

6. Astronomy Small observatory Aristarchus
Estimated sun 300 times larger than earth
Disproved that the sun was smaller than Greece
Ptolemy placed earth in the center of the solar system
This view accepted for the next 14 centuries

7. Astronomy Eratosthenes Also a poet and historian
Correctly computer earth’s circumference
28,000-29,000 mile
Actual today 24,860
Also a poet and historian

8. Mathematics and Physics
Euclid-compile a geometry text
Book Elements contained 465 geometry propositions and proofs
Still the basis for geometry

9. Mathematics and Physics
Archimedes
Estimated the value of pi
Explained the law of the lever
Archimedes screw- raised water from the ground
Compound pulley to lift heavy objects

10. Stoicism and Epicureanism
Zeno founded Stoicism
People should lead virtuous lives
in harmony with natural laws
and the will of the gods
Desire for wealth and power were dangerous
Social unity
Focus on what they can control

11. Stoicism and Epicureanism
Epicurus- founded Epicureanism
Gods ruled the universe
Only real objects were those the five senses perceived
Greatest good and pleasure came from virtuous conduct and absence of pain
Moderation in all things

12. Realism in Sculpture
Rulers , wealthy merchants and cities purchased sculptures
Portray people in everyday situations
Colossus of Rhodes-bronze statue 100 feet high
Nike (winged warrior) 203 BC made for naval victory

13. Realism in Sculpture Hellenistic moved to more natural works
Carved ordinary people like a wrinkly old peasant woman
150 BC Hellenistic world in decline