Alexander & Hellenism

I. Alexander’s AchievementsII. Spread of HellenismIII. Creation of Silk Road

IDs: Alexander of Macedonia (the Great) 356-323 BCE, Hellenism, Graeco-Bactria

Big Themes of World History

Was there a world-wide “Spiritual Age” from 600-400 BCE?

Vedic religion Hinduism (sacrifice ethics)

Judean tribal religion Judaism

Classical Greek PhilosophyThe Buddha (ca. 563-483 BCE) Confucius (551-479 BCE)

Major Shift from 336 BCE-50 CE: Afro-Eurasia becomes more connected

Historical Question:

• Does Alexander of Macedonia deserve to be called “the Great”? Was he that important to world history?

I. Alexander’s Achievements

A. Background: Classical Greek culture around Mediterranean Sea

born 356 BCE reigned from 336 to 323

BCE

Philip II of MacedoniaAristotle

B. AchievementsConquered huge territory

C. ProjectsPurposeful Policy of Multi-Ethnic

Cultural ExchangePersiansBactrians

Sets up foundation for trade institutions connecting Mediterranean

to India

a. Coins b. Greek languagec. Product exchanged. Caravan routese. Cities as commercial

hubs

Alexandria(s)

Plantations & Slavery

D. Spreads Hellenistic Culture

Result: Inter-connects Afro-Eurasian elites

cosmopolitan

Elements of Hellenistic Culture

• Greek language• Gymnasiums

(education)• Theaters• Athletic games• Art• Politics• Philosophy • Dress/Style

But…Alexander died before it got going….

II. Spread of Hellenism & Interconnection

B. Successor States (323-75 BCE)Seleucid (Syria

& Persia)Ptolemaic Egypt

(Ptolemy)Graeco-BactriaMacedonia

1. Cosmopolitanism

Alexandria, EgyptLibrary

2. Learning & Science

Hellenism/Hellenistic Culture

• Influences elites from Spain to India

2. Successor States Supported Trade Across Afro-Eurasia

Governed large regionsMoneyCommon languageLegal institutions/codesArmies

3. Spread of Hellenistic Culture“Indo-Greek” states: Graeco-Bactria