Unit 14: Hellenistic Culture and Conclusion: Objectives Flashcards
Explain the developments in Hellenistic philosophy
Hellenistic philosophy saw the rise of several influential schools, such as Stoicism, which focused on virtue and the control of emotions, and Epicureanism, which emphasized the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. Skepticism emerged, questioning the possibility of certainty in knowledge, and Cynicism emphasized living in accordance with nature and rejecting social conventions.
Summarize the features of Hellenistic visual art and architecture
Hellenistic art was characterized by emotional expression, realism, and dynamic movement. Sculptures like Laocoön and His Sons and The Venus de Milo exemplify the focus on dramatic emotions and the human body. In architecture, the Hellenistic period saw the construction of grand, monumental structures like the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Outline the achievements of Hellenistic sciences
Hellenistic scientists made significant advancements in fields like astronomy, mathematics, and medicine. Archimedes developed principles of geometry, levers, and buoyancy. Euclid made key contributions to geometry, and Eratosthenes calculated the Earth’s circumference. Hippocrates laid the foundations for medical ethics and practice.
Describe the features of Hellenistic theatre and literature
Hellenistic theatre saw a shift from the grand, religious spectacles of earlier periods to more individual and domestic themes. New Comedy (e.g., works by Menander) focused on social and romantic situations. Hellenistic literature also saw the rise of historical writing and philosophy, with writers like Polybius focusing on the rise of Rome and Aristarchus of Samothrace promoting critical studies of Homer.
Compare and contrast classical and Hellenistic cultural features
Classical culture focused on balance, order, and idealized beauty, with an emphasis on civic life and moral values (e.g., in sculptures like those of Phidias). The Hellenistic period, in contrast, was marked by emotional depth, realism, and the exploration of individual experience. Art and philosophy became more diverse, incorporating different regional influences due to the expansive nature of Alexander’s empire.
Explain the ways that Hellenistic culture reflects the social and political changes described in the previous unit
The fragmentation of Alexander’s empire and the rise of the Hellenistic kingdoms led to more cosmopolitan cities, blending Greek culture with local traditions. The political changes contributed to a shift towards individualism in art and philosophy, and the culture became more accessible, with a focus on personal happiness, virtue, and social mobility. The creation of large, diverse empires also influenced the development of science, as thinkers sought to understand the world more comprehensively.
