Hellehnistic

Hellenistic refers to the period of ancient Greek history and Mediterranean history following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE and lasting until the Roman conquest of Egypt in 31 BCE. This era is characterized by the widespread influence of Greek culture, language, and ideas throughout the vast territories conquered by Alexander. The Hellenistic world was not a unified political entity but rather a collection of kingdoms and successor states ruled by Alexander's generals, known as the Diadochi, and their descendants. Prominent among these were the Seleucid Empire, the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, and the Antigonid dynasty in Macedon.

This period witnessed significant developments in art, architecture, science, philosophy, and literature. Greek cities were founded across the Eastern Mediterranean and into Asia, becoming centers of Hellenistic culture. Alexandria in Egypt, with its famous library and lighthouse, emerged as a leading intellectual and commercial hub. Hellenistic philosophy, such as Stoicism and Epicureanism, explored new ethical and metaphysical questions. In science, figures like Archimedes made groundbreaking discoveries in mathematics and physics. The art of this period is known for its realism, emotional intensity, and dramatic compositions, exemplified by sculptures like the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo. The decline of the Hellenistic kingdoms was marked by internal strife and the growing power of Rome, which eventually absorbed these territories into its own empire.