1. From Polis to Cosmopolis: Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World, 323-30BC
Athenian democracy was not as influential after the Peloponnesian War
But Spartan tyranny did not last long
So the Macedonians jumped at the chance to control the Greek peninsula

2. Philip of Macedon
Came to the throne of the Greek city-state of Macedon in 359BC
Made his city very powerful, conquering all of Greece, except for Sparta
Was murdered in 336BC, after a complicated conspiracy and plot

3. Alexander the Great Son of Philip Just turned 20, when his father died
Within 15 months, had gained complete control over the area and had sent armies into Hungary
In 334, he marched into Asia
Founded 70 cities, 20 of which he named after himself
By 327, had reached India
Died in 323 at the age of 33 after a life of warfare and partying
Brilliant, but arrogant, general

5. Hellenization/From Polis to Cosmopolis
Alexander tried to imitate Achilles, the hero of Homer’s Iliad
Claimed to be descended from Hercules
Called himself the Great King
Urged his followers to bow down to him
Wore Persian clothes
The Mediterranean world became more Greek-like
Combined the cultures of East/Asia and West/Greece = Hellenization
When he died, his empire split into 4 parts
Greeks began to think of themselves as part of a larger world empire, not just as citizens of a city

6. Hellenistic Philosophy
Less the love of wisdom, more a way to deal with a now large, disordered, and separated world
Epicurus (Epicureanism)
Withdraw from the city, find happiness inside, individually, believed in no gods at all, don’t fear, do whatever will make you happy
Zeno (Stoicism)
Must follow the divine plan (Logos/divine reason) to find happiness, sense of duty and self-discipline, don’t withdraw, try to make something of the world
Skepticism
There is nothing close to true knowledge, everything is always changing, don’t trust in anything
Other cults
Provided community feeling