Aim: What is Hellenistic Culture?

Hellenistic Culture in Egypt Alexander sought to meld conquered culture with Greeks Continue to develop after his death New Culture Emerges: Hellenistic Greek culture blended with Egyptian, Persian, and Indian influences Egyptian city of Alexandria became center of commerce & Hellenistic Civilization Trade ships from all around Mediterranean docked at this harbor 2

Hellenistic Science and Technology Hellenistic scholars preserved Greek and Egyptian learning in Science Astronomy Alexandria’s museum contained small observatory where astronomers study sky Mathematics Eratosthenes & Aristarchus use geometry Compiled by Euclid- Mathematician Archimedes estimates the value of pi (π) 3

Hellenistic Philosophy Became concerned with how people should live lives Two Philosophies Developed Stoicism & Epicureanism Stoicism Proposed people should lives in harmony with will of natural laws promoted social unity & focus on what they could control Epicureanism Taught that gods who had no interest in humans ruled universe Greatest good and highest pleasure came from virtuous conduct & absence of pain 4

Hellenistic Art Realism in sculpture Idealized natural works Instead of serene face and perfect body, sculptures carved ordinary people Ex: Old, Wrinkled, Peasant Women Ex: Colossus of Rhodes 150 BCE- Hellenistic world decline Rome growing and gaining strength 5