The hellenistic world

Question 1

After Alexander’s Death

Answer 1

Enormous territory overthrown.
Vision of a cosmopolis (polis encompassing the cosmos).
Diverse cultures, languages, and religions.

Question 2

The Diadochoi (“Successors”)

Answer 2

Friends and allies contest over Alexander’s legacy.
Wars between successors (323-276 BCE).
Major figures: Antigonos, Seleucus, Ptolemy.

Question 3

The Rosetta Stone (Ptolemaic Egypt)

Answer 3

Three languages: Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic, Greek.
Reflects ethnic and linguistic diversity.
Greek signifies status and influence.

Question 4

Ptolemies in Egypt

Answer 4

Series of rulers fusion of Greek and Egyptian traditions.
Cult of Alexander transformed into ruler cult.
Lavish festivals and grand cultural events.

Question 5

Alexandria

Answer 5

Established by Alexander at Nile’s mouth.
Cultural and intellectual hub.
Ptolemaic power projected through culture.

Question 7

Pharos Lighthouse

Answer 7

100 meters tall, scientific innovation.
Flame reflected by giant mirrors.

Question 8

The Great Library

Answer 8

Built by Ptolemy II Philadelphus.
Part of Mouseion (“house of the Muses”).
Universal library, Greek cultural knowledge.

Question 9

Hellenistic Art

Answer 9

Move from idealized subjects to realism.
Interest in everyday, low-class subjects.
Adaptation of classical themes.

Question 10

Hellenistic Literature

Answer 10

Parallel developments in realism and psychology.
Menander’s “New Comedy” focuses on everyday life.
Theocritus writes bucolic poetry, depicting low-class subjects.

Question 11

Ecphrasis (Description of Objects)

Answer 11

Theocritus’ detailed description of an ivy bowl.
Highly ornamented language.
Reflects interest in material culture.

Question 12

Learned Literature

Answer 12

Hellenistic literature remains highly intellectual.
Poets and scholars associated with the Mouseion.
Interest in complex psychology.

Question 13

Medea in the Argonautica

Answer 13

Medea’s internal struggle and desire for relief.
Fear of disgrace and reproach.
Complex emotions and moral dilemmas.

Question 14

Heracles in the Argonautica

Answer 14

Heracles’ role in rowing the ship.
Physical strength and impact on the journey.
Symbolic importance of his actions.

Question 15

Inheritance and Transformation

Answer 15

Altar of Pergamon as a symbol of victory.
Pergamon as a “new Athens.”
Artistic transformation from classical to Hellenistic.