Unit 13: The Hellenistic Kingdoms and the Rise of Rome: Objectives Flashcards
Q: Describe the main political divisions of Alexander’s empire by his successors and the main reasons for continuing division and war.
A: After Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals, forming the Antigonid (Macedon), Ptolemaic (Egypt), and Seleucid (Asia) kingdoms. Competition for territory led to ongoing wars, as no single ruler could unify the empire. These conflicts, known as the Wars of the Successors, weakened Greek dominance and paved the way for Roman expansion.
Q: Describe the changes to city-states and city life in the Hellenistic period and fit them into the history of the Greek polis.
A: The Greek polis declined as power shifted to large Hellenistic kingdoms. Cities became more diverse, with monarchs controlling civic affairs rather than citizens. While traditional Greek culture persisted, cities became cosmopolitan centers of trade, learning, and military administration.
Q: Describe some of the features of Hellenistic society and note what changed from the earlier classical age of Greece.
A: Hellenistic society was more multicultural, with Greek, Egyptian, and Persian influences blending. Monarchies replaced city-state democracy, and trade networks expanded. Philosophy focused more on individual well-being (e.g., Stoicism, Epicureanism), contrasting with the civic-oriented focus of Classical Greece.
Q: Note the connection between political structures and social organization and values in the Hellenistic Age.
A: Hellenistic monarchies emphasized loyalty to rulers rather than civic participation. Kings patronized art, science, and philosophy to legitimize their rule. Society became more stratified, with royal courts and military elites dominating political life, while local populations adapted to centralized rule.
Q: Summarize Polybius’ view of how history is written.
A: Polybius believed history should be factual, analytical, and based on firsthand accounts. He emphasized causality, arguing that historians must explain why events happened, not just describe them. His Histories analyzed Rome’s rise, highlighting its mixed government as a key to success.
