DO NOW If you didn’t turn in your museum activity yesterday, do so now. Turn in your chapter 5 test. Finish your thesis statement about Alexander the Great from yesterday. You will need a highlighter today.
The Spread of Hellenistic Culture EQ: What were the achievements and influences of Hellenistic culture?
Hellenistic Culture in Alexandria After the death of Alexander, a new culture emerged with Greek, Egyptian and Persian and Indian influences. A common language, koine, was spoken in Hellenistic cities. This common language allowed educated people and traders from many different areas to communicate with each other.
Trade and Cultural Diversity Alexandria, in northern Africa, became the foremost center for trade. By the 3 rd Century B.C., there were nearly ½ million people living in or around the city.
Alexandria’s Greatest Attractions The Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,` was over 400 feet tall and contained a polished brass mirror that reflected light from a blazing fire. The city also had a museum, botanical gardens, dining halls, art galleries, and a library
Science and Technology Hellenistic scholars preserved Greek and Egyptian learning in the sciences. These were the most important scientific advances until the 16 th and 17 th Centuries.
Astronomy Aristarchus of Samos reached two significant scientific conclusions: –He estimated that the sun was at least 300 times larger than the earth –He also proposed that the earth and other planets revolved around the sun. –Scientist did not support his theories but he was correct.
Astronomy Eratosthenes, director of the Alexandrian Library, used geometry to calculate the circumference of the earth at 24,662 miles. The actual modern calculation with today’s tools measure Earth’s circumference at 24,860 miles.
Mathematics and Physics Euclid- Wrote the book “Elements” contained 465 carefully presented geometry propositions and proofs. He is regarded as the father of geometry.
Archimedes Archimedes- accurately calculated the estimated value of pi ( π). He also explained the law of the lever and invented the compound pulley to lift heavy objects. He invented the Archimedes screw a device that was used to raise water from the ground and the catapult.
Philosophy and Art The teachings of Plato and Aristotle continued to be very influential but a new philosophical focus began to emerge in the 3 rd Century B.C. – How should people live their lives? Two new major philosophies emerged- Stoicism and Epicureanism
Stoicism and Epicureanism Zeno- founded the school of philosophy of Stoicism that taught that a divine power controlled the universe. They proposed that people should live a virtuous life in harmony with nature. This philosophy also promoted social unity.
Epicurean Philosophy Epicurus founded the school of thought called Epicureanism that taught that the universe was composed of atoms and ruled by gods who had no interest in humans. He believed that the only real objects were those that came from virtuous acts and the absence of pain. One should pursue pleasure in moderation.
The Colossus of Rhodes One of the most famous sculptures of this age was the Colossus of Rhodes. It stood more than 100 feet high and legend said it straddled the harbor entrance. The Colossus was toppled by an earthquake in 225 B.C. and the bronze was sold for scrap
Winged Victory of Samothrace The “Winged Victory” was discovered by an archeologist in This bronze statue commemorated a naval victory by the Greeks against the people who enslaved them.
Realism in Sculpture Greek sculpture began to move away from harmonic balance and idealized forms to more realistic and emotional works Greek sculpture began to move away from harmonic balance and idealized forms to more realistic and emotional works The sculpture of the time portrayed ordinary people in everyday situations. The sculpture of the time portrayed ordinary people in everyday situations.
Analyzing Themes- Cultural Interaction The Hellenistic Culture brought together Egyptian, Greek, Persian, and Indian influences. How is American culture a combination of different influences? Give at least 3 examples of those influences. Think about: –American immigration –Geographic regions/influences –Your own cultural background