Question

Compare the cultural elements that define Hellenic and Hellenistic Greece. Pick at least three comparisons among political, social, and/or economic impacts, and discuss their characteristics to show the evolution of Greek culture.

Answer 1

The Hellenistic Period (or Hellenism) was a time in history between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC when the Greeks came under the rule of the Macedonian Empire.

Greek influence was so great that, after the fall of the Empire, Hellenistic culture continued to predominate in all territories previously dominated by them.

Between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, the Hellenistic kingdoms were gradually conquered by the Romans.

The expansionist movement promoted by Alexander was responsible for the spread of Greek culture in the East, founding cities (several times named after Alexandria) that became true centers for the spread of Greek culture in the East.

Greek elements ended up merging with local cultures. This process was called Hellenism and Greek culture mixed with Eastern elements gave rise to Hellenistic Culture, in a reference to the name as the Greeks called themselves - Hellenes.

In the Mathematics of Hellenism, Euclid and Archimedes stood out, who developed Geometry. Euclides used Geometry in his Physics studies. Physics (mechanics) also deserved special attention from Archimedes, making it possible to invent new weapons for attack and defense.

In Astronomy, Aristarchus and Hipparchus stood out in an attempt to measure the diameter of the Earth and the distances from our planet to the Sun and the Moon. Aristarchus launched the heliocentric hypothesis, that is, that the earth and planets revolved around the Sun , which was not accepted at the time.