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 600-400
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 AfroEurasian elites
cosmopolitan
Elements of Hellenistic Culture
• Greek language
• Gymnasiums
(education)
• Theaters
• Athletic games
• Art
• Politics
• Philosophy
• Dress/Style
But…Alexander died before it got
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