The Spread of Hellenistic Culture

1. The Spread of Hellenistic Culture Chapter 5 Section 5 Page 132

2. First, A Review… • Philip and Alexander were kings of which country? • Macedonia • Why did Philip want to take Persia? • It had wealthy provinces and to avenge the attacks on Greece years before • What did Alexander do with Darius’s offer of the Western half of the Persian empire? • Rejected it • How far had Alexander’s army marched in 11 years? • 11,000 miles • Where was Alexander’s tomb located for centuries? • Alexandria

3. Hellenistic Culture in Alexandria • After Alexander the Great’s death, a new culture emerges-Greek Hellenic • Blended Greek, Egyptian, Persian and Indian influences together • Language was Koine (koy-nay) in Hellenistic cities like Alexandria

4. Alexandria, Egypt • Alexandria the center of commerce and Hellenistic civilization • Location- great place, located on edge of Nile delta • Population over 500,000

5. Modern view of Alexandria

6. Trade and Cultural Diversity • Very beautiful, majestic palaces that look over harbor • Ships from all around Mediterranean docked in its spacious harbor • Thriving commerce enabled Alexandria to grow and prosper • People of all cultures and trade mingled in crowded marketplaces

8. Alexandria’s Greatest Attractions • A tomb containing Alexander’s glass coffin was stored in Alexandria • An enormous stone lighthouse called the Pharos soared over the harbor • The lighthouse contained a bronze mirror that reflected the light from a blazing fire • Famous museum and library dedicated to the Muses, the Greek goddesses of art and sciences

9. Great Library in Alexandria, Egypt

10. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3707641.stm

11. Science and Technology • Scholars in Alexandria provided most of the scientific knowledge available • Museum contained small observatory where astronomers could study the planets and stars • Astronomer Aristarchus concluded that the sun was 300 times larger than the earth and that other planets revolve around the sun

12. Incorrect Information • Unfortunately, other astronomers refused to support Artistarchus’ theories • By 2nd century A.D. , another astronomer Ptolemy incorrectly placed the earth at the center of the solar system, and is believed to be true for next 1400 years

13. Earth’s Size • A scholar named Eratosthenes closely calculated the earth’s true size using geometry • He concluded the earth’s circumference at 24,662 miles • Today we compute the earth’s circumference to be 24,860 miles • His estimate was within 1% of our modern calculations

14. Mathematics and Physics • Euclid, a mathematician opened a school of geometry in Alexandria and wrote the book, Elements • Book was used in universities into the 1900’s • Archimedes, gifted in geometry and physics, studied at Alexandria • Accurately estimated the value of pi • Shared knowledge that helped build different machines

15. Philosophy and Art • Teachings of Plato and Aristotle very influential in Hellenistic philosophy • 2 major philosophies develop during this period- Stoicism and Epicureanism

16. Stoicism • Greek philosopher Zeno founded stoicism • Philosophy based on ethics • Proposed people should live life in harmony with natural law • Preached that things like human desires, power and wealth were dangerous distractions that should be controlled • Encourage those to focus on things they could control

18. Epicureanism • Greek philosopher Epicurus founded Epicureanism • Taught the universe was composed of atoms and ruled by gods who had no interest in humans • Believed the main goal of humans was achieve harmony of body and mind • Today, the word epicurean means one devoted to pursuing human pleasures

20. Realism in Sculpture • Like science, sculpture flourished during Hellenistic period, sculptures and statues were displayed • Largest known statue was the Colossus of Rhodes- bronze statue stood more than 100 feet high • Legend said it straddled the harbor, but experts don’t think that is true • Was destroyed by an earthquake, and bronze was sold for scrap

22. Hellenistic Sculptors • Hellenistic sculptors moved away from the harmonic balance and began to create more realistic works • Instead of a serene face and perfect body, they began to create more natural works • Explored new subjects like ordinary people, and a wrinkled old peasant woman

24. Decline • By 150 B.C., Hellenistic world was on a decline • A new city Rome was growing and gaining strength • Through Rome, Greek-style drama, architecture, sculpture, religion and philosophy were preserved and became the core of Western Civilization

25. Just for Fun… • Wife Swap- Athens/ Sparta • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLyW5UYPYYs&feature=related