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