Alexander Hellenism I Alexanders Achievements II Spread of

Alexander & Hellenism I. Alexander’s Achievements II. Spread of Hellenism III. Creation of Silk Road IDs: Alexander of Macedonia (the Great) 356323 BCE, Hellenism, Graeco-Bactria

Big Themes of World History Was there a world -wide “Spiritual Age” from 600400 BCE? Vedic religion Hinduism (sacrifice ethics) Judean tribal religion Judaism Classical Greek Philosophy The Buddha (ca. 563 -483 BCE) Confucius (551 -479 BCE)

Major Shift from 336 BCE-50 CE: Afro-Eurasia becomes more connected

Historical Question: • Does Alexander of Macedonia deserve to be called “the Great”? Was he that important to world history?

I. Alexander’s Achievements A. Background: Classical Greek culture around Mediterranean Sea

born 356 BCE reigned from 336 to 323 BCE Philip II of Macedonia Aristotle

B. Achievements Conquered huge territory

C. Projects Purposeful Policy of Multi-Ethnic Cultural Exchange Persians Bactrians

Sets up foundation for trade institutions connecting Mediterranean to India a. Coins b. Greek language c. Product exchange d. Caravan routes e. Cities as commercial hubs

Alexandria(s)

Plantations & Slavery

D. Spreads Hellenistic Culture Result: Interconnects Afro. Eurasian elites cosmopolitan

Elements of Hellenistic Culture • Greek language • Gymnasiums (education) • Theaters • Athletic games • Art • Politics • Philosophy • Dress/Style

But…Alexander died before it going….

II. Spread of Hellenism & Interconnection

B. Successor States (323 -75 BCE) Seleucid (Syria & Persia) Ptolemaic Egypt (Ptolemy) Graeco-Bactria Macedonia

1. Cosmopolitanism Alexandria, Egypt Library 2. Learning & Science

Hellenism/Hellenistic Culture • Influences elites from Spain to India

2. Successor States Supported Trade Across Afro-Eurasia Governed large regions Money Common language Legal institutions/codes Armies

3. Spread of Hellenistic Culture “Indo-Greek” states: Graeco-Bactria