Greek City Foundations in the East

Cities and Hellenism

• Hellenism is defined by the presence of a civic community and a political system.
• Greek cities were seen as centers for spreading civilization and Greek culture throughout Alexander's empire.
• Alexander founded numerous cities to instill Greek institutions and improve the lives of those he conquered.

What Makes a Greek City?

• A state (polis) is a partnership aimed at achieving the highest good (Aristotle).
• Greeks were considered capable of ruling due to their balance of spirit and intelligence (Aristotle).
• Key elements of Greek civic organization:
  • Deme.
  • Tribe.
  • Gymnasium.
  • Assembly.
  • Council.
  • Magistracies.
  • Priesthoods.
  • Legitimate Marriage.

Case Study 1: Egypt

• Alexandria was strategically founded by Alexander, with plans for temples (including Greek and Egyptian gods like Isis), a marketplace, and defensive walls (Arrian).
• Ptolemais was established as a Greek city with settlers from Argos and Thessaly, adhering to civic norms.
• Euergetis: Founded by Boethus, emphasizing the importance of advancing the city's affairs.

Case Study 2: Anatolia

• Toriaion: King Eumenes granted a constitution (politeia), laws, and a gymnasium, allowing them to organize into one constitutional body (politeuma).

Case Study 3: The Levant and Mesopotamia

• Babylon: Greeks in Babylon, like those in Seleucia, participated in civic activities.
• Jerusalem: Jason introduced Greek customs, including a gymnasium, leading to hellenization.
• Ascalon and Gaza: Demonstrated Greek influence through civic organization (demos) and officials (astynomos).
• Gadara: Represented a blend of Greek and Syrian culture, with individuals like Meleager reflecting this mix.