The Hellenistic Age Phillip II King of Macedonia – Gained control in 359 B.C. Goal – conquer all Greek City-States & the Persian Empire. Excellent army – formed alliances using different tactics. 338 B.C. – defeated the forces of Athens and Thebes at the Battle of Chaeronea. All of Greece was now under his control. Murdered at a wedding. Alexander to take over.

The Hellenistic Age Alexander the Great Admired the Greeks, very confident, brave and reckless - earned the title “Alexander the Great.” Educated Warrior (student of Aristotle) but was swift and brutal. 334 B.C. - crossed the Dardanelles Strait to invade Persia. Victories at Granicus River, and pushed across Babylon (331) and continued all the way to India. He never lost a battle. He died suddenly from sickness.

The Legacy of Alexander Greek culture spread - Mediterranean to the Middle East. Artisans, traders, thinkers, soldiers, etc. surged out of Greece and settled in these new territories….most of which they named after Alexander. Cultural Diffusion - through marriage. New culture emerged - Hellenistic Civilization.

Hellenistic Culture Alexandria in Egypt - Center of the Hellenistic world Location was key - exposed to a variety of goods, services, people, etc. Huge market, museums, lighthouse, festival, laboratories, halls, zoos, etc. Area was also a key learning center.

Hellenistic Culture in Alexandria Cultural Blending – Result of Alexander’s Policies—a new vibrant culture – Women were no longer restricted to the household. Women became educated and some even went on to rule (Cleopatra). Hellenistic Culture - Greek blended with Egyptian, Persian, Indian culture Trade and Cultural Diversity – Alexandria—Egyptian city become the center of Hellenistic civilization

Hellenistic Culture in Alexandria Alexandria’s Attractions Temples Palaces and buildings – larger to reflect rulers as godlike – very glorified. – Lighthouse, called the Pharos, stands over 350 feet tall – Museum contains art galleries, a zoo, botanical gardens, dining hall – Library holds masterpieces of ancient literature; supports scholars

Science and Technology Alexandria’s Scholars – Scholars preserve Greek and Egyptian learning in the sciences Astronomy – Astronomer Aristarchus proves sun is larger than Earth – Proposes planets revolve around sun; not accepted for 14 centuries – Eratosthenes uses geometry to calculate Earth’s circumference

Science and Technology Mathematics and Physics – Euclid - mathematician; his work Elements is the basis for courses in geometry. – Pythagoras - formula for the right triangle – (a ₂ + b ₂ = c ₂ ). – Archimedes—scientist and mathematician Estimated the value of pi (  ). Law of the lever. Invented the Archimedes screw—a pump which raised water from one level to another. Invented the compound pulley for lifting objects. – Hippocrates – studied illnesses and set ethical standards for doctors. This is still used today.

Philosophy and Art Stoicism and Epicureanism – Zeno - Stoic school of philosophy which promoted virtuous and simple lives. – to avoid desires and disappointments and accept whatever life brought. It also preached high moral standards and protecting rights of others. – Epicurus believes people should focus on what the senses perceive. Realism in Sculpture – Colossus of Rhodes—Hellenistic bronze sculpture over 100 feet tall. – Sculptors move to non-classical, natural forms; real people.