Hellenistic Age Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to the Hellenistic age, including important figures, cultural developments, and philosophical movements that shaped this period.

Hellenistic Age

Period following the death of Alexander the Great, characterized by the spread of Greek culture beyond Greece to Egypt and India.

Polis

A city-state in ancient Greece, which was the center of political, cultural, and social life.

Cosmopolitan

A person who identifies as a citizen of the world, well-educated and open to different cultures.

Alexander the Great

King of Macedonia who created one of the largest empires in ancient history, known for his conquests and cultural exchange.

Hellenic Classical Greece

The period of Greek history from approximately 800 B.C. until the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C.

Ptolemaic Egypt

The most significant kingdom established after the death of Alexander the Great, ruled by the Ptolemaic dynasty.

Hellenistic Culture

A blend of Greek and Eastern cultures resulting from the conquests of Alexander, characterized by cosmopolitanism and cultural exchange.

Library of Alexandria

The largest library of the ancient world, famous for its vast collection of literature and knowledge, ultimately destroyed in 48 B.C.

Stoicism

A philosophy founded by Zeno that emphasizes rationality, self-control, and the idea of a universal brotherhood among humanity.

Epicureanism

The philosophy created by Epicurus advocating for a life of moderation and the pursuit of happiness free from pain.

Cynicism

A philosophy that advocates for living simply and rejecting societal norms and materialism; associated with Diogenes.

Skepticism

A philosophical attitude questioning the possibility of certainty in knowledge.

Hellenization

The spread of Greek culture and influence, particularly in the cities of the Hellenistic world.

The Septuagint

A Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, created for Greek-speaking Jews.

Diogenes

A famous cynic philosopher known for his ascetic lifestyle and belief in self-sufficiency.

Greco-Roman

The cultural and historical blending of Greek and Roman influences.

Hellenistic Legacy

The influence of Hellenistic culture on later civilizations, particularly through Roman adoption and adaptation.