The Spread of The Spread of Hellenistic CultureHellenistic Culture

Chapter 5, Section 5Chapter 5, Section 5

Hellenistic Culture in Hellenistic Culture in AlexandriaAlexandria

►Cultural BlendingCultural Blending Result of Alexander’s Policies—a new Result of Alexander’s Policies—a new

vibrant culturevibrant culture Hellenistic cultureHellenistic culture—Greek blended with —Greek blended with

Egyptian, Persian, Indian cultureEgyptian, Persian, Indian culture

►Trade and Cultural DiversityTrade and Cultural Diversity AlexandriaAlexandria—Egyptian city become the —Egyptian city become the

center of Hellenistic civilizationcenter of Hellenistic civilization

Hellenistic Culture in Alexandria Hellenistic Culture in Alexandria (cont.)(cont.)

►Alexandria’s AttractionsAlexandria’s Attractions Lighthouse, called the Lighthouse, called the PharosPharos, stands , stands

over 350 feet tallover 350 feet tall Museum contains art galleries, a zoo, Museum contains art galleries, a zoo,

botanical gardens, dining hallbotanical gardens, dining hall Library holds masterpieces of ancient Library holds masterpieces of ancient

literature; supports scholarsliterature; supports scholars

Science and TechnologyScience and Technology

►Alexandria’s ScholarsAlexandria’s Scholars Scholars preserve Greek and Egyptian Scholars preserve Greek and Egyptian

learning in the scienceslearning in the sciences►AstronomyAstronomy

Astronomer Astronomer AristarchusAristarchus proves sun is proves sun is larger than Earthlarger than Earth

Proposes planets revolve around sun; not Proposes planets revolve around sun; not accepted for 14 centuriesaccepted for 14 centuries

EratosthenesEratosthenes uses geometry to calculate uses geometry to calculate Earth’s circumferenceEarth’s circumference

Science and TechnologyScience and Technology

►Mathematics and PhysicsMathematics and Physics EuclidEuclid—mathematician; his work —mathematician; his work ElementsElements is is

the basis for courses in geometry.the basis for courses in geometry. ArchimedesArchimedes—scientist and mathematician—scientist and mathematician

►He accurately estimated the value of pi (He accurately estimated the value of pi ().).►He explained the law of the lever.He explained the law of the lever.►He invented the He invented the Archimedes screwArchimedes screw—a pump —a pump

which raised water from one level to another.which raised water from one level to another.►He invented the compound pulley for lifting objects.He invented the compound pulley for lifting objects.

Philosophy and ArtPhilosophy and Art

►Stoicism and EpicureanismStoicism and Epicureanism Zeno founds Stoic school of philosophy Zeno founds Stoic school of philosophy

which promoted virtuous and simple lives.which promoted virtuous and simple lives. Epicurus believes people should focus on Epicurus believes people should focus on

what the senses perceive.what the senses perceive.►Realism in SculptureRealism in Sculpture

Colossus ofColossus of RhodesRhodes—Hellenistic bronze —Hellenistic bronze sculpture over 100 feet tall.sculpture over 100 feet tall.

Sculptors move to non-classical, natural Sculptors move to non-classical, natural forms; real people.forms; real people.