The Spread of Hellenistic Culture
Chapter 5 section 5
Key Terms
• Hellenistic• Alexandria• Euclid• Archimedes• Colossus of Rhodes
Hellenistic Culture in Alexandria
• Hellenistic- blending of cultures from Greece, Egyptian, Persian and Indian Influences
• Koine- means common was a dialect of Greek
• Used to communicate in cities throughout the Hellenistic world
Trade and Cultural Diversity• Alexandria (Egypt) center
of commerce• Strategic edge of Nile Delta• Trade ships from all over
the Mediterranean docked there
• Third century B.C became an international community and a population of one million
Alexandria’s Attractions
• Broad avenues with statues of Greek gods
• Royal palaces• Alexander’s glass coffin• 350 feet above then
harbor was a lighthouse• Famous museum and
library– First true research
library
Astronomy
• Small observatory• Aristarchus
– Estimated sun 300 times larger than earth
– Disproved that the sun was smaller than Greece
• Ptolemy placed earth in the center of the solar system– This view accepted for the
next 14 centuries
Astronomy
• Eratosthenes– Correctly computer
earth’s circumference– 28,000-29,000 mile– Actual today 24,860
• Also a poet and historian
Mathematics and Physics
• Euclid-compile a geometry text
• Book Elements contained 465 geometry propositions and proofs
• Still the basis for geometry
Mathematics and Physics
• Archimedes– Estimated the value of
pi– Explained the law of the
lever– Archimedes screw-
raised water from the ground
– Compound pulley to lift heavy objects
Stoicism and Epicureanism
• Zeno founded Stoicism– People should lead
virtuous lives• in harmony with natural
laws• and the will of the gods
– Desire for wealth and power were dangerous
– Social unity– Focus on what they can
control
Stoicism and Epicureanism• Epicurus- founded
Epicureanism• Gods ruled the universe• Only real objects were
those the five senses perceived
• Greatest good and pleasure came from virtuous conduct and absence of pain
• Moderation in all things
Realism in Sculpture• Rulers , wealthy
merchants and cities purchased sculptures
• Portray people in everyday situations
• Colossus of Rhodes-bronze statue 100 feet high
• Nike (winged warrior) 203 BC made for naval victory
Realism in Sculpture
• Hellenistic moved to more natural works
• Carved ordinary people like a wrinkly old peasant woman
• 150 BC Hellenistic world in decline