new period in Greek history was the march to the east of the famous ruler Alexander the Great.As a result of numerous wars there was a huge empire, which extended from the borders of Egypt to the modern Central Asia.It was during this time and the era of Hellenism.Under it should mean the spread of Greek culture in all the territories conquered by Alexander the Great.
What about Hellenism?
Due to the fact that the merged Greek and local cultures, appeared Hellenism.This cross-fertilization effect on the preservation of a common culture in several states after the collapse of the empire.
What is meant by a Hellenism?It should be noted at once that he is a violent, since the establishment of this culture was the result of numerous wars.Hellenism contributed to the unification of the Greek world from ancient Eastern previously they have evolved in different directions.The result is a powerful state with a single socio-economic structure, political system and culture.
As already mentioned, Hellenism - a kind of synthesis of the different elements of culture.It can be viewed from several positions.On the one hand, the emergence of the Hellenistic Greek influenced the development of society, as well as the crisis of the Greek polis.On the other, in its formation played the role of ancient Oriental societies, namely their sedentary and conservative social structure.
reasons that influenced the emergence of the Hellenistic
need for a merger of several cultures arose from the fact that Greek policy gradually began to slow historical progress, having exhausted all the possibilities.That is why the disorder began to arise between different classes and social struggle between oligarchy and democracy.Fragmentation caused a war between the individual cities.And the history of the state that has not stopped, it was necessary to unite the warring sides.
however, is not the only reason for the emergence of a new culture.Hellenistic period arose in connection with the crisis of the ancient Oriental socio-political systems.In the IV century BCancient oriental world, which has already become a part of the Persian Empire, had not the best period.Due to the stagnant economy could not master the vast empty lands.In addition, the kings of Persia were not given permission to build new cities, did not support the trade and were not allowed into circulation large monetary reserves of the metal lying in their basements.And if Greece in the IV century BCsuffered through the fault of excessive activity of the political system, overcrowding and limited resources, the Persian monarchy, there was the opposite situation.
In this regard, there was a problem peculiar combination, the synthesis of different systems that are able to complement each other.In other words, there was a need for such a culture as Hellenism.This happened after the collapse of power built by Alexander the Great.
merger of different elements
What areas of life are covered by the synthesis of the components inherent to the Greek and Eastern states?There are several different points of view.Some scientists under Hellenism realized combining several elements characteristic of culture and religion.Russian historians have described the merger from the standpoint of the combination and interaction of economic, class, social, political and cultural spheres.According to them, Hellenism - a progressive step that greatly influenced the fate of the Greek and ancient Eastern societies.
synthesis of elements in the different regions progressed differently.In some states it was more intense in others - less.In some cities, an important role was given to elements inherent in the Greek culture prevailed in other ancient Oriental origin.Such differences have arisen in connection with the concrete historical features of societies and cities.
development of Hellenistic society
Hellenistic period affected by the different size of the state of education, from Sicily and Southern Italy and ending northwestern India (from the southern borders of the Aral Sea to the first cataract of the Nile).In other words, a part of the Hellenistic society were classical Greece and the East.Not included in the territory of only China and India.
There are several regions that are characterized by common features:
- Egypt and the Middle East.
- Middle East.
- Balkan Greece, western Asia Minor, Macedonia.
- Great Greece to the Black Sea region.
most characteristic elements inherent Hellenism, have shown themselves fully in Egypt and the Middle East.Therefore these regions can be regarded as an area in which dominated classical Hellenism.
Greece, like other regions, had mainly to differences in socio-economic, political and cultural spheres.We can say that in ancient Greece, such as the synthesis and was not at all.However, for some reason, it argues that these territories are logged in Hellenistic countries.
development of culture and science
Hellenistic culture influenced the disappearance of the characteristic of the classical period, the gap between technology and science, practice and theory.This can be seen in the works of Archimedes, who opened the hydraulic law.It was he who made an enormous contribution to the development of technology by designing a screw pump and combat catapults along with defensive guns.
creation of new cities and progress in areas such as navigation and military technology contributed to the rise of some of the sciences.Among them can be distinguished mathematics, mechanics, astronomy, geography.Significant role in this play and Euclid.He was the founder of elementary geometry.Eratosthenes to determine the true size of the globe, Aristarchus of Samos proved that our planet rotates on its axis and moves around the sun.Successful development happened in the natural sciences, and medicine.
rapid development of science and culture resulted in the need to store information.In this regard, in some cities were built library.
Talking about what features can be identified Hellenism, it should be said about the development of a new industry - philology.Much attention has been given to grammar, criticism and so on.A huge role was assigned to schools.Literature has become more diverse, but she still continued to give the classic elements.Epic and tragedy became more prudent, since the fore erudition and virtuosity of style and sophistication.
What happened in philosophy?
Hellenistic Philosophy also acquired some differences.Diminished belief in the gods.They began to appear new cults.Civil ideals gradually gone by the wayside, giving place to individualism.Instead of community arose indifference, indifference to the issues that were related to nationality rights.This social position was a determining factor in people's lives.The philosophy of the Hellenistic era got its development through the establishment of several schools: the Cynics, the skeptics, the Stoics, the Epicureans and peripatetic.
Philosophers have gradually abandon the idea of space.Greater attention was paid to the person from the position of a certain self-contained unit.On the second plan went public and civic ideals.
necessary to give up all the benefits of civilization
huge role in the formation of Hellenism played Diogenes of Sinope, who represented the school of Cynics.He did not write books, but simply lived.Philosopher by example tried to show how important it is to follow the truth, in his opinion, ideals.He argued that civilization and all inventions do not contribute to human happiness, they are malicious.Wealth, power, fame - all this is just empty words.He lived in a barrel and went in rags.
Happiness should be without vanity
philosophy of Hellenism gained a lot due to Epicurus, is the founder of the school "The Garden".For the study, he chose the problem of human happiness.Epicurus believed that the greatest pleasure can be obtained only in case of failure of the aspirations relating to vanity.According to him, it is necessary to live quietly, as far as possible from the passions, in serene detachment.
statements
Stoic philosophy of the Hellenistic period reached its peak.A huge role in shaping the social outlook has played a school of Stoicism.It also deals with the problem of human happiness.States the following: due to the fact that various troubles still avoid not work, you have to get used to them.This is what salvation was, according to the Stoics.It is necessary to organize their inner world.Only in this case, no external problems will not unbalance.It should be higher than the external stimuli.
Conclusion
Hellenism played a very important role in the development of European civilization.All the achievements of this period became the basis of aesthetic ideas that have emerged along with other eras.Greek philosophy became fundamental in the development of medieval theology.Mythology and literature continue to be popular and now.
