Hellenistic Period


I. What does Hellenistic mean?

II. In what way is the Persian Acheamenid empire a precursor to Alexander's empire?

III. Explain the Persian (Iranian) Zoroastrian religion: Who was Zoroaster, what were principal beliefs of his followers?

IV. A. Who was Alexander?
B. Why did he invade Persia?

C. What were chief battles?
D. What was Alexander's chief military formation?
Explain the Macedonian Phalanx.

V. A. How did Alexander's "style" of rule and dress change after his conquest?
B. What is meant by 'this attempt to create a synthesis'' between east and west? How did his marriage to Roxana and the "Marriage of the 10,000" figure in this?

C. What was extent of Alex's empire?

VI. Why is the Hellenistic period considered one of great wealth and prosperity?
A.What in the way of long distance trade contributed to trade contributed to this?
B. New financial institutions?
C. Cities, new and old?

VII. A. What happened to Alex's empire upon his death?
B. What were three main kingdoms
C. Why was Alexandria the chief city during this period?

VIII. Hellenistic religions and philosophy: (EXPLAIN ALL:)
1. epicureanism
2. stoicism.
3. cynicism.
4. skepticism
5. mystery religions
Why was this a period of uncertainty, doubt, fear, superstition, mystery beliefs' and at the same time a period of great science and wealth?

IX. Hellenistic culture
A. Art, literature, sculpture, architecture.
B. How were these different from the classical period?
C. Why is sculpture called "realistic, naturalistic?"
D. Look at photo of "Dying Gaul" (p. 134 of your text) and contrast it to photos on p. 130 of classical period.
Do same for "old market woman" between pages 108 and 109 of text.

X. Science: Why is the period considered so rich in scientific development? Be able to say something about: Euclid Ptolemy, Aristarchus Hipocrates & Galen Archimedes Eristratus

XI. A. Why was the period one of "Cosmopolitanism"?
B. Politically, how did the period differ from the classical period?
C. Polis vs. Kingdom

XII. Interpret the last paragraph of the chapter and explain what the author means when he says the Hellenistic period is the one most like our own period today of all the past periods in history.




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