Unit 13: The Hellenistic Kingdoms and the Rise of Rome: Study Questions Flashcards
What was the Battle of Chaironeia, and why have some considered it the end of the Greek city-state?
The Battle of Chaironeia (338 BCE) was a decisive conflict where Philip II of Macedon defeated an alliance of Greek city-states. It marked the end of the autonomy of the Greek poleis, as Macedon gained control, and many cities lost their independence, paving the way for Macedonian dominance.
What does autonomia mean?
Autonomia refers to the independence or self-governance of a city-state. In ancient Greece, it was a key feature of the poleis, which governed themselves without interference from external powers.
When did poleis actually start to lose autonomia?
Poleis began to lose autonomia after the Battle of Chaironeia in 338 BCE, when Philip II established Macedonian hegemony over Greece.
What type of city disappeared under Macedonian dominance?
Independent, autonomous city-states (like Athens and Thebes) gradually disappeared under Macedonian rule as Greek poleis became subordinated to Macedonian authority.
How much independence could a city have under the Hellenistic monarchies?
Cities under the Hellenistic monarchies had limited independence. While some maintained local governance, they were ultimately subject to the authority of the Hellenistic rulers, who controlled military and foreign policy.
Note some of the ways that the Hellenistic cities differed from classical Greek poleis.
Hellenistic cities were larger, often built by monarchs with grand designs, and were centers of royal administration and culture. Unlike classical poleis, which were based on local autonomy and citizen participation, Hellenistic cities were more cosmopolitan and monarchic in structure.
Why was there such a power vacuum upon the death of Alexander?
Alexander’s sudden death in 323 BCE left no clear heir, leading to infighting among his generals (the Diadochi). This created a power vacuum, with his empire divided into warring factions.
Why was Antigonus the One-Eyed unsuccessful in his attempt to gain control of the whole of Alexander’s empire?
Antigonus faced significant resistance from other generals and kingdoms. His ambitions were thwarted by military defeat and the inability to consolidate power, especially with the growing strength of the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms.
Describe the three main Hellenistic Kingdoms, their dynasties, and territories.
The three main Hellenistic Kingdoms were:
Ptolemaic Kingdom (Egypt) - Founded by Ptolemy I, it ruled Egypt and parts of the eastern Mediterranean.
Seleucid Kingdom (Asia and the Near East) - Founded by Seleucus, it controlled much of Asia Minor, Syria, and Persia.
Antigonid Kingdom (Macedon) - Founded by Antigonus the One-Eyed, it ruled Macedon and parts of Greece.
How did the polis change under Hellenistic rule?
The polis became less independent under Hellenistic rule, as it was incorporated into larger monarchies. The focus shifted from local autonomy to serving the needs of monarchs, and cities grew in size and importance as centers of administration.
What were the general features of society under Hellenistic rule?
Hellenistic society was marked by cultural exchange, the spread of Greek language and ideas, and a greater emphasis on cosmopolitanism. It was also characterized by increased urbanization, greater social mobility, and the spread of Greek-style education.
What role did Greek colonies play in the Hellenistic kingdoms?
Greek colonies played a key role in spreading Greek culture across the Hellenistic world. They served as military, economic, and cultural outposts, facilitating trade and the diffusion of Greek ideas.
How long did it take the Romans to conquer the Hellenistic kingdoms, and in what order did they annex the four Hellenistic kingdoms?
The Romans took around 150 years to conquer the Hellenistic kingdoms, annexing them in the following order:
Seleucid Kingdom (63 BCE)
Ptolemaic Egypt (30 BCE)
Macedon (146 BCE)
Pergamon (133 BCE)
Who was Polybius, when did he write, for whom did he write, and what was his purpose?
Polybius was a Greek historian who wrote in the 2nd century BCE. He wrote primarily for the Roman elite, aiming to explain how Rome rose to power and providing a detailed account of the history of the Punic Wars and the expansion of Rome.
In his introduction, what reasons does Polybius give for studying knowledge of the past?
Polybius believed that studying history was essential for understanding the causes of past events, which would help in predicting future outcomes and guiding contemporary decisions. He also emphasized learning from the successes and failures of past societies.
Polybius witnessed Rome’s famous destruction of Carthage at the end of the Third Punic War in 146 BCE. In Book XXXVI, he presents several appraisals of this event: what seems to be his own final verdict?
Polybius viewed the destruction of Carthage as a pivotal moment in Rome’s expansion, but he was ambivalent about it, seeing it as both a necessary step in consolidating Roman power and a tragic loss of a great rival.
Later on, Polybius considers the role of fate and chance in human history—a problem that had also concerned Homer and classical historians. What is Polybius’ solution? To what extent does Polybius use supernatural intervention to explain historical events?
Polybius believed that human events were largely driven by fortune, chance, and the actions of individuals, rather than divine intervention. He was skeptical of attributing historical events to the gods, preferring to explain them through political and social factors.
