Hellenistic Kingdoms: Ptolemies, Seleucids, Antigonids, and Art

How did the Ptolemies gain legitimacy in Egypt?

They linked themselves to Egyptian religion, worked with priests, and built temples to present themselves as traditional pharaohs.

What were the two main cities of the Ptolemaic kingdom?

Ptolemais and Alexandria, which was home to the Great Library.

What major problems weakened the Ptolemaic kingdom?

Egyptian revolts, succession disputes, loss of territory, and problems after the Fourth Syrian War.

Why did Egyptian revolts occur under the Ptolemies?

Egyptians were exploited economically and increasingly included in the Ptolemaic army.

According to Dorothy Thompson, what helped the Ptolemies develop Egypt?

Egypt's agricultural wealth.

What was the typical Ptolemaic approach to ruling Egypt?

They generally accepted and continued existing Egyptian practices.

Why did the Ptolemies practice brother-sister marriage?

They adopted the traditional pharaonic custom to strengthen legitimacy.

What were the Syrian Wars?

A series of wars between the Ptolemies and Seleucids over territory, especially Coele-Syria.

Name important Ptolemaic figures.

Ptolemy kings and Berenice.

What type of monarchy did the Seleucids practice?

A personal monarchy focused on loyalty to the ruler rather than a specific territory or people.

How was the Seleucid Empire administratively divided?

Into regions based on satrapies.

How did the Seleucids maintain loyalty in their empire?

By giving some authority to local elites and allowing local forms of rule.

What weaknesses existed in the Seleucid Empire?

Lack of organization, unclear borders, ethnic diversity, and difficulties controlling eastern territories.

Why were relationships with other rulers important to the Seleucids?

Their empire depended heavily on personal diplomatic relationships that had to be renewed with each ruler.

From what event did the Seleucids date the start of their empire?

Seleucus retaking Babylon from Antigonus in 311 BC.

What conflict dominated Seleucid foreign policy?

Repeated wars with the Ptolemies, known as the Syrian Wars.

What achievements are associated with Antiochus III the Great?

He recovered territory from Ptolemy IV and suppressed rebellions.

What claim did Seleucid rulers often make during wars?

That they were 'freeing the Greeks.'

What religious practice did the Seleucids use to strengthen rule?

Dynastic cults.

What type of monarchy did the Antigonids practice?

Personal monarchy based on the ruler's personal relationships.

Why was there tension between the Greeks and the Antigonids?

Many Greeks resisted Antigonid control over Greece.

Which foreign ruler supported Greek resistance against the Antigonids?

Ptolemy II.

What effect did wars and resistance have on Antigonid rule?

Antigonid power in Greece weakened significantly.

Why was Antigonus III considered successful?

He centralized power and became popular with the Greeks.

Name important Antigonid rulers.

Antigonus I, Demetrius, Antigonus Gonatas, and Antigonus III.

How did the Attalids run their kingdom?

Through taxes and financial management while reinvesting wealth into the kingdom.

What governmental approach did the Attalids use?

They kept many existing governmental structures.

Who founded the Attalid dynasty?

Philetairos, the governor of Pergamon who revolted.

Who was the first formally crowned Attalid king?

Attalus I.

Which Attalid ruler left the kingdom to Rome in his will?

Attalus III.

Why did the Attalids promote art and culture in Pergamon?

To make Pergamon resemble Athens and emphasize Greek cultural ties.

Which Greek alliance did Attalus join?

The Aetolian League.

Why did the Attalids ally themselves with Rome?

To strengthen and protect their kingdom against rivals such as Macedon.

How did the Successor kingdoms originate?

Through warfare after Alexander the Great's death.

How were Hellenistic kings expected to behave?

As warrior kings and protectors of their kingdoms.

How did war affect the Hellenistic economy?

It stimulated economic activity but was also extremely expensive.

What military trend characterized Hellenistic warfare?

Gigantism — armies and battles became larger while using similar tactics to earlier periods.

What type of soldiers became more common in Hellenistic warfare?

Mercenaries.

What role did Arsinoe III play at the Battle of Raphia?

She encouraged the troops and was acknowledged in the Decree of Raphia.

Did Arsinoe III officially share royal power?

No, although her husband relied on her assistance in ruling.

How was Berenike II represented in official documents?

In some papyri she is listed as pharaoh in female form.

What does the term 'Basilissa' mean?

It referred to a royal woman or queen.

Did the title 'Basilissa' include official political duties?

No, it did not automatically grant formal authority.

Why were queens important in Hellenistic kingdoms?

Because they produced heirs and secured dynastic succession.

Who was Olympias?

The wife of Philip II and mother of Alexander the Great.

What role did Olympias play while Alexander was in Asia?

Sources suggest she helped govern alongside Antipater.

How did Olympias help the people during famine?

She secured grain supplies.

How did Olympias influence succession politics?

She arranged murders of rivals who threatened Alexander's inheritance.

Why is dating Hellenistic art difficult?

Some works recreated earlier Classical styles, making chronology unclear.

Why is Attalid art easier to date?

Because it can often be linked to specific historical periods, although those periods are long.

What are the main characteristics of Hellenistic art?

Drama, theatricality, realism, naturalism, emotion, movement, and individualism.

How did Hellenistic sculpture differ from Classical sculpture?

It used an open style meant to be viewed from multiple angles.

What new subjects appeared more often in Hellenistic art?

Foreigners, elderly people, and ordinary individuals.

What is meant by the 'Baroque' style in Hellenistic art?

Art with dramatic movement, emotion, and energy.

What kinds of messages did Hellenistic art often communicate?

Social and political messages, including royal power and cultural identity.