Politics, Philosophy, and Science in the Hellenistic World.

Politics, Philosophy, and Science in the Hellenistic World. The Hellenistic World

United Empire in Pieces  Macedonian generals in conflict over control

of the empire.  See map:  Four primary kingdoms  Stability for several centuries  Strain between Greco-Macedonian rulers and native populations.  Greeks and Macedonians the ruling class…some were as small as 2.0% of the population

Urban revolution  This was an urban revolution  Alexander focused on the foundation of cities.  Military settlements were founded.  Greeks relocated to fill voids as

administrators, architects, engineers, etc…

Economic trends  Largely agrarian  Aristocrats owned land worked it via rent or

slaves.  Commerce expanded  Trading expanded (Silk Road)  Alexander made East-West trade more possible.

Culture in the Hellenistic World  Importance of Cultural

Diffusion  Importance of Literature—Egypt (Library of Alexandria)

Importance of theatre/drama  Centered in Athens  Playwrights focused on

Comedies  Menander  Lost to history—”Ladies at Lunch”

History  Polybius a famed Greek

wrote “Inhabited Mediterranean World”  Most has been lost to history  Focused on the growth of Rome  Sought rational motives for events

Sculpture  Unlike classical age

artists the Hellenistic works focused on the “actual” not the ideal form. Best preserved example is the “Old Market Woman”.  Meets no qualities of classical sculpture

A New Age in Science  In Greece science had

been an extension of philosophy.  Now it was a subject of scientific experimentation.

Archimedes  Noted for:  Geometry  Hydrostatics  Numerical value of Pi  Archimedan water screw  Pulley  Lever

Achievements cont…  From Plutarch: “that if

they did see but a little rope or a piece of wood from the wall, instantly crying out, that there it was again, Archimedes was about to let fly some engine at them, they turned their backs and fled!”  “Give me a place to stand I will move the earth”

Philosophy  Athens the center of philosophy  “The Academy”  New schools of philosophy  Epicureanism  Stoicism

Epicureanism  Goal of life the pursuit

of pleasure—pleasure in the sense of liberation of mental turmoil and worry. The freedom of a mind at rest.  How? Free yourself from public activity  “We must release ourselve from the prison of affairs and politics” Epicurus

Stoicism  Founded by Zeno  Flourished in Rome  Happiness could only

be found living in the will of God and that life's problems should be attacked through political virtue.

Religion in the Hellenistic World  Greek gods were

spread with the conquest of Alexander.  Primarily localized cults such as those of Isis, Tyche, Zeus, Asarte, Horus, and Atargis.

Mystery Religions  Often expanded from cults, they promised

salvation and eternal life.  These faiths which attempted to tackle key questions paved the way for later Christianity.