Unit 14: Hellenistic Culture and Conclusion: Terms Flashcards
Crouching Aphrodite
The Crouching Aphrodite is a famous Hellenistic sculpture depicting the goddess Aphrodite in a relaxed, naturalistic pose. Unlike earlier representations of the goddess, this sculpture portrays her in a moment of vulnerability, adding a sense of intimacy and realism. It reflects the Hellenistic trend toward capturing human emotions and physical realism in art.
Diogenes of Sinope
Diogenes of Sinope was a prominent Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Cynicism. He advocated for a simple, ascetic lifestyle and rejected societal conventions and materialism. Famous for his provocative actions, Diogenes is said to have lived in a barrel and carried a lamp during the day, claiming to be searching for an honest man.
Epicurus
Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded the philosophy of Epicureanism, which emphasized the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good. He believed that happiness could be achieved by simple living, intellectual pursuits, and minimizing pain and suffering. Unlike hedonism, his philosophy focused on mental rather than physical pleasure.
Eratosthenes of Cyrene
Eratosthenes of Cyrene was a Greek mathematician and astronomer best known for calculating the circumference of the Earth. He also developed a method for finding prime numbers, known as the Sieve of Eratosthenes. His work in geography and astronomy was instrumental in the advancement of Hellenistic science.
Herophilos of Chalkedeon
Herophilos of Chalkedeon was an ancient Greek physician known for his pioneering work in anatomy and the study of the nervous system. He was one of the first to dissect human bodies and made important discoveries about the brain, the circulatory system, and the sensory organs. His work laid the foundations for future medical understanding.
Hipparchos
Hipparchos was a Greek astronomer and mathematician who is often referred to as the “father of astronomy.” He created the first known star catalog and developed a method for predicting eclipses. Hipparchos also formulated the theory of precession and contributed to the development of trigonometry.
The Laocoön
The Laocoön is a famous Hellenistic sculpture that depicts the Trojan priest Laocoön and his sons being attacked by serpents. The sculpture is known for its dramatic expression of agony and intricate detail, exemplifying the Hellenistic period’s emphasis on emotion and movement in art. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of ancient sculpture.
Menander
Menander was an ancient Greek playwright, famous for his works in the genre of New Comedy, which focused on domestic and romantic themes. His plays often dealt with social and moral issues in a comedic setting. Menander’s influence on later European drama, especially Roman comedy, was significant.
Museum of Alexandria
The Museum of Alexandria was a major center of learning and scholarship in the Hellenistic world, founded in Alexandria, Egypt. It housed scholars, scientists, and philosophers who made significant contributions to various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. The museum was closely associated with the Library of Alexandria and became one of the intellectual hubs of the ancient world.
Sarapis
Sarapis was a syncretic deity created during the Hellenistic period, combining aspects of Egyptian gods Osiris and Apis with Greek gods like Zeus and Apollo. Worshipped primarily in Egypt, Sarapis became a symbol of unity between Greek and Egyptian cultures. His cult spread across the Hellenistic world and played a significant role in the religious landscape.
Skepticism
Skepticism was a philosophical school that questioned the possibility of certain knowledge. Skeptics like Pyrrho of Elis argued that human beings cannot know anything for certain and advocated for suspending judgment to achieve tranquility. This philosophy influenced later thought, particularly during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Zeno
Zeno was the founder of Stoicism, a Hellenistic philosophy that emphasized rationality, self-control, and virtue as the highest goods. Zeno taught that emotions and desires should be controlled to live in harmony with nature and the universe’s rational order. His teachings became foundational to Stoic philosophy and influenced Roman thinkers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius.
