Alexander S Empire

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Subject: History & Culture

Students: Plaza Vuksanovic Florencia

Topic: Alexander´s Empire

Alexander the Great´s empire was one of the largest in ancient history,
spanning from Greece in the west to India in the east. Alexander became king
after the assassination of his father, King Philip II. His empire- building efforts
and military campaigns are notable for their speed and scope.

Politically speaking, Alexander the Great´s empire had profound implications


for the ancient world. He built upon his father Philip II´s achievements by
consolidating Greek city-states under Macedonian hegemony. Moreover, he
adopted and integrated administrative practices from the Persian´s empire,
ensuring efficient governance of his vast territories.

In terms of culture, Alexander had been under Aristotle´s teaching. He must


have been a well-educated man, since literature was used by Alexander to
inspire himself. He was an inclusive person. Such was the case that Alexander
integrated local customs and traditions with Greek practices promoted a
blend of cultures. For example, in Persia he adopted some aspects of Persian
dress and court customs to win over his new subjects. What was more
interesting was that Alexander married a Persian woman. His tolerance could
be seen when his army was formed by Persian and people from other lands.
A new culture with a variety of knowledge, culture, religion and traditions
was formed. So much so, Greek became a lingua franca of the vast Hellenistic
world. Fascinating communication and trade across different regions and
peoples.
In terms of geographically advances, Alexander the Great was a renowned
ancient Greek king and military leader who accomplished significant
geographic advances through his conquests. He is known for creating one of
the largest empires in ancient history, stretching from the Ionian Sea to the
Himalayas in just a decade. So much so, his conquests significantly impacted
the regions of Egypt, Persia, India, and beyond, spreading Greek culture and
influence across vast territories. Alexander's military strategies and
leadership skills played a crucial role in expanding the geographical reach of
the Hellenistic world.

Overall, Alexander the great´s legacy is multifaceted, acompassing significant


political, moral and geographical advances. His achievements and the
methods by which he accomplished them continue to be subjects of
admiration and debate.
The Hellenic Period

The Hellenic period, also known as the Classical Greek period, refers to the
time between the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE and the rise of the
Roman Empire around 146 BCE. This era is characterized by significant
cultural, political, philosophical, and artistic developments in ancient Greece.
It was a time of flourishing intellectual pursuits, including philosophy,
science, and literature, with prominent figures like Socrates, Plato, and
Aristotle shaping Western thought.

The Hellenic period also saw the height of Greek city-states, such as Athens
and Sparta, competing for dominance in the region. Art and architecture
reached new heights during this time, with famous structures like the
Parthenon in Athens being constructed. The period's legacy had a lasting
impact on Western civilization, influencing art, politics, and philosophy for
centuries to come.
In terms of Philosophy, the Hellenic period saw the emergence of great
philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who made significant
contributions to ethics, metaphysics, logic, and more. This period also saw
advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
Politically and socially speaking: The Hellenic period was marked by the city-
state model of governance, where independent city-states like Athens,
Sparta, and Corinth each had their own political systems. So much so, these
city-states often engaged in fierce competition and conflicts, shaping the
political landscape of the time.
Overall, the Hellenic period was a golden age of Greek culture, leaving a
lasting legacy that continues to influence art, philosophy, and politics to this
day.

Hellenistic period

The Hellenistic period, spanning from the death of Alexander the Great in
323 BCE to the rise of the Roman Empire around 31 BCE, was a
transformative era that saw significant changes in social, cultural, economic,
and political aspects across the Mediterranean and Near East.

Socially speaking, the period saw the growth of cities and urban centers, with
a diverse mix of populations. Cities like Alexandria, Antioch, and Pergamum
became cultural melting pots. A blending of cultures occurred as people from
different backgrounds interacted, leading to a more cosmopolitan society.

Culturally speaking, Hellenistic art was characterized by more naturalistic and


expressive forms compared to the classical period. There was an emphasis on
drama, emotion, and realism. Moreover, there was a significant production
of literature, including works of poetry, drama, and history. Theatrical
performances were popular, often reflecting the complexities of Hellenistic.

In terms of economy, trade expanded significantly due to the increased


connectivity between regions. Goods, ideas, and technologies moved more
freely across the Hellenistic world. Cities like Alexandria became major
economic hubs, facilitating trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa. So much
so, the use of coined money became widespread, and banking practices
developed, supporting the needs of long-distance trade and commerce.

Politically speaking, after Alexander’s death, his empire fragmented into


several Hellenistic kingdoms ruled by his generals, known as the Diadochi.
These included the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt, the Seleucid Empire in Asia,
and the Antigonid Dynasty in Macedonia. Hellenistic kingdoms were typically
monarchies with centralized power held by kings who often adopted
elements of both Greek and local traditions to legitimize their rule. The
period saw increasing interactions with the Roman Republic, which
eventually led to the incorporation of Hellenistic territories into the Roman
Empire by 31 BCE.

The Hellenistic period was a dynamic time of cultural synthesis, economic


expansion, and political fragmentation, setting the stage for the subsequent
rise of Rome and the spread of Greco-Roman culture.

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