Unit 13: The Hellenistic Kingdoms and the Rise of Rome: Terms

Question 1

Antigonus the One-Eyed

Answer 1

One of Alexander the Great’s generals who took control of Macedon after his death. Known for his attempts to maintain unity in the empire but eventually lost control due to the Wars of the Successors.

Question 2

Carthage

Answer 2

A powerful Phoenician city-state in North Africa. It was a rival of Rome and Greece, famously defeated by Rome in the Punic Wars.

Question 3

Cleopatra VII

Answer 3

The last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Known for her political alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and her tragic role in the power struggles of Rome.

Question 4

Hellenistic Kingdoms

Answer 4

The kingdoms formed after Alexander the Great’s death, divided among his generals, including the Ptolemaic, Seleucid, and Antigonid dynasties. They spread Greek culture across the Middle East, Egypt, and Central Asia.

Question 5

Hellenistic poleis

Answer 5

Greek-style cities that emerged during the Hellenistic period. They were influenced by Greek culture but adapted to the political and cultural climates of the new Hellenistic monarchies.

Question 6

Parthia

Answer 6

A major empire that emerged in Persia after the fall of the Seleucid Kingdom. Known for its military strength, it rivaled Rome for dominance in the East.

Question 7

Polybius

Answer 7

A Greek historian who wrote The Histories, detailing the rise of the Roman Republic. He emphasized the cyclical theory of history and believed history should focus on understanding causes and consequences.

Question 8

Ptolemy I

Answer 8

A general under Alexander the Great who became the ruler of Egypt after Alexander’s death. Founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled Egypt until Cleopatra VII.

Question 9

Roman Republic

Answer 9

The system of government in Rome before the Empire, based on elected representatives, a Senate, and popular assemblies. It rose to power during the Hellenistic period.

Question 10

Seleucid Kingdom

Answer 10

One of the Hellenistic kingdoms that emerged from Alexander’s empire. It ruled much of the Near East and fought wars against both the Parthians and Rome.

Question 11

Wars of the Successors

Answer 11

Conflicts between Alexander’s generals after his death over control of his vast empire. These wars led to the division of the empire into several Hellenistic kingdoms.