Alexander & Hellenism
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Transcript of Alexander & Hellenism
Alexander & Hellenism
I. Alexander’s AchievementsII. Spread of HellenismIII. Creation of Silk Road
IDs: Alexander of Macedonia (the Great) 356-323 BCE, Hellenism, Graeco-Bactria
Big Themes of World History
Was there a world-wide “Spiritual Age” from 600-400 BCE?
Vedic religion Hinduism (sacrifice ethics)
Judean tribal religion Judaism
Classical Greek PhilosophyThe Buddha (ca. 563-483 BCE) Confucius (551-479 BCE)
Major Shift from 336 BCE-50 CE: Afro-Eurasia becomes more connected
Historical Question:
• Does Alexander of Macedonia deserve to be called “the Great”? Was he that important to world history?
I. Alexander’s Achievements
A. Background: Classical Greek culture around Mediterranean Sea
born 356 BCE reigned from 336 to 323
BCE
Philip II of MacedoniaAristotle
B. AchievementsConquered huge territory
C. ProjectsPurposeful Policy of Multi-Ethnic
Cultural ExchangePersiansBactrians
Sets up foundation for trade institutions connecting Mediterranean
to India
a. Coins b. Greek languagec. Product exchanged. Caravan routese. Cities as commercial
hubs
Alexandria(s)
Plantations & Slavery
D. Spreads Hellenistic Culture
Result: Inter-connects Afro-Eurasian elites
cosmopolitan
Elements of Hellenistic Culture
• Greek language• Gymnasiums
(education)• Theaters• Athletic games• Art• Politics• Philosophy • Dress/Style
But…Alexander died before it got going….
II. Spread of Hellenism & Interconnection
B. Successor States (323-75 BCE)Seleucid (Syria
& Persia)Ptolemaic Egypt
(Ptolemy)Graeco-BactriaMacedonia
1. Cosmopolitanism
Alexandria, EgyptLibrary
2. Learning & Science
Hellenism/Hellenistic Culture
• Influences elites from Spain to India
2. Successor States Supported Trade Across Afro-Eurasia
Governed large regionsMoneyCommon languageLegal institutions/codesArmies
3. Spread of Hellenistic Culture“Indo-Greek” states: Graeco-Bactria