The Rise of Alexander and the Hellenistic World

These flashcards encompass key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the history of Alexander the Great, the rise of the Hellenistic world, and the cultural dynamics of ancient civilizations.

City States

Independent regions in ancient Greece that frequently engaged in warfare for prestige.

Macedonia

A kingdom led by King Philip II, known for its unification efforts of the Greek city states.

Philip II of Macedonia

King who sought to unite the Greek city states and planned a campaign against Persia.

Hellenic League

An alliance of Greek city states established by Philip II to unite against Persia.

Battle of Chaeronea

Decisive battle in 338 BC where Philip II defeated the combined forces of Athens and Sparta.

Arbiter

A neutral party who helps settle disputes, as Philip II attempted to do among Greek city states.

Persia

The powerful empire that posed a significant threat to the Greek city states.

Mediation

The process of resolving conflicts between parties.

Alexander the Great

Son of Philip II who succeeded him and expanded the Macedonian Empire.

Thebes

A Greek city state that rebelled against Alexander and was destroyed as a warning.

Gaugamela

Major battle in 331 BC where Alexander defeated Darius III of Persia.

Darius III

The last king of Persia who was defeated by Alexander the Great.

Hellenistic World

A cultural blending of Greek and Eastern influences after Alexander's conquests.

Urbanity

The quality or condition of being urban; the focus on city life and development.

Alexandria

The planned city founded by Alexander as the capital of his empire.

Library of Alexandria

An ancient center of learning and repository for scrolls and knowledge.

Pharos Lighthouse

The lighthouse of Alexandria, a marvel of engineering and a trade beacon.

Antigonus

One of Alexander's generals who became king of Macedonia after Alexander's death.

Seleucus

General who became ruler of Persia after Alexander's empire was divided.

Ptolemy

General who became ruler of Egypt and established a long-lasting dynasty.

Cultural exchanges

Interactions that lead to the sharing of ideas, traditions, and customs across cultures.

Eratosthenes

Ancient Greek mathematician who calculated the Earth's circumference.

Aristarchus

Ancient astronomer who proposed a heliocentric model of the solar system.

Colossus of Rhodes

A large statue built on the island of Rhodes, later destroyed by an earthquake.

Antioch

A city founded by Seleucus to serve as a land trade hub in the Hellenistic world.

Zoology

The study or collection of animals, popular in Hellenistic societies.

Hellenic Culture

The culture pertaining to the ancient Greeks before the conquests of Alexander.

Pharaoh

The title used in ancient Egypt for their rulers, whom Alexander claimed to succeed.

Urban hub

A central city that serves as a focal point for trade, culture, and population.

Helenistic Innovations

Scientific and artistic advancements during and following Alexander's conquests.

Military tensions

Strains in political relationships often leading to warfare, as seen in Greece.

Cultural synthesis

The blending of different cultural elements into a unified whole.

Persian Empire

The empire that was the dominant political force Medea and faced conquest by Alexander.

Bucephalus

Alexander's famous horse, after which he named a city.

Museum of Alexandria

A cultural center where artistic and intellectual activities were celebrated.

Greco-Persian conflict

The series of confrontations between the Greek city states and the Persian Empire.

Alexander's siege warfare

Military strategy involving surrounding and attacking fortified positions.

Tomb of Alexander

His burial site in Alexandria, which became a site of pilgrimage and reverence.

Ptolemaic dynasty

The royal family ruling Egypt after Alexander’s death, known for its longevity.

Carthage

An ancient city-state that Alexander considered as his potential next target.

Cultural hegemony

The domination of one culture over others, particularly in governance and social norms.

Athenian-Spartan Rivalry

The longstanding enmity and conflict between the city-states of Athens and Sparta.

Mausoleum

A monumental tomb, such as the one built for Alexander in Alexandria.

Military strategy

The art of organizing and directing military forces in conflict.

Trade routes

Paths used for the exchange of goods across regions, essential for economic growth.

Metropolis

A large, significant city that often serves as an economic and cultural center.

Act of Assassination

The deliberate killing of a prominent figure, like Philip II or later political rivals.

Athenian democracy

The political system used in Athens, which was characterized by direct citizen participation.

Historical narratives

Accounts or interpretations of past events, often shaped by cultural perspectives.

Cultural diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.

Intellectual hub

A center of scholarly activity where ideas and knowledge are exchanged.

Empirical observations

Knowledge gained through sensory experience, important in scientific advancements.

Philosophical discourse

The practice of engaging in reasoning and discussion about fundamental questions.

Trade significance

The importance of commerce in fostering political alliances and cultural exchanges.