The Spread of Hellenistic Culture

1. The Spread of Hellenistic Culture

2. Review Alexander’s empire spanned over Asia (Middle East, the Indus), Africa (Egypt), and Europe (Greece). Compare and contrast the cultures: ASIA AFRICA Europe

3. Think – Pair – Share Why would Alexander need to unify his empire?

4. Alexander Spreads Greek Culture • Even after Alexander’s death, cities once in Alexander’s empire continued to share an interest in trade, common language, and culture.

5. Hellenistic “Greek Fusion” • Hellenistic culture was a blend of Greek and Persian, Indian, and Egyptian cultures. • Koine – a version of Greek; a common language

6. Alexandria • Major trading city on the Nile • International “melting pot”

7. Alexandria’s Attractions • Lighthouse • Museum & Library • Temple for the Muses • Gallery, zoo, botanical garden • Alexander’s tomb

8. Science & Technology • Theorized that the sun was larger than Greece (300x the earth) • Theorized that the earth revolves around the sun • Ptolemy theorized that the sun revolves around the earth • Estimated Earth’s circumference • Estimated the value of pi ∏ • Archimedes screw (raised water from the ground) invented