Question

Discuss the features of Alexandria that show it was a center of Hellenistic Culture.

Answer 1

Alexandria was a center of Hellenistic culture because it was founded by Alexander the Great of Macedon prior to his death. Following his death, Ptolemy took control of what was more or less Ancient Egypt and designated Alexandria as its capital. Despite its location in Egypt, Alexandria was laid out with a Grecian city plan (grid-like with straight roads). Additionally, it contained things like a theatre, library, and museum which were Greek in origin, not Egyptian. Hellenistic stems from the world Hellas which means Greece and thus Hellenistic features are predominately Greek and focus on arts, knowledge, and trade within the Mediterranean world.