Chapter 5.5

The Spread of Hellenistic Culture

Why are we studying this?

Hellenistic culture, a blend of Greek and other influences,

flourished throughout Greece, Egypt, and Asia.

Why are we studying this?

Western civilization today continues to be influenced

by diverse cultures.

SET

• The United States is called a “Salad Bowl”.

• Why is the United States called “The Salad Bowl” of the world?

• Give Examples

Hellenistic Culture

Hellenistic Culture

Persian Indian

Greek Egypt

Alexander’s Empire“Greece on Foreign Soil”

City of AlexandriaTrade and Diversity

• Located on Nile Delta

• Center of commerce

• ½ + million people

• International community

City of AlexandriaGreat Attractions

•Broad streets, statues of gods

•Royal palaces•Coffin of

Alexander•Lighthouse

Depiction of the Lighthouse at Alexandria

City of AlexandriaGreat Attractions

• Museum–Art galleries–Zoo–Gardens

• LibraryReconstruction of the library at Alexandria

Science & TechnologyAstronomy

• Aristarchus of Samos– Estimated sun was

300x larger than the earth

– Proposed that Earth and planets revolve around the sun—NOT ACCEPTED!

Science & TechnologyAstronomy

• Eratosthenes– Closely calculated

the earth’s size– Computed

circumference to be 24,662 miles—accurate within 1%

– Used geometry to calculate

Science & TechnologyMath & Physics

• Euclid– Highly regarded

mathematician– Opened school of

Geometry at Alexandria

– Wrote The Elements : contained 465 geometry propositions and proofs

Euclid

Science & TechnologyMath & Physics

• Archimedes– Estimated the

value of pi– Law of the lever:

invented the compound pulley

– Invented the screw—a device for raising water

The Screw—an invention of Archimedes

Hellenistic ArtRealism in Sculpture

• Statues to honor gods, commemorate heroes, portray people

• Colossus of Rhodes• Winged Victory of

Samothrace• More realistic,

natural, and emotional

Colossus of Rhodes

Winged Victory of Samothrace

Putting it altogether…

Hellenistic Culture

Museums/Libraries

Sciences

Mathematics

Art