Greek Studies

Hellenistic Culture

The Hellenistic culture differed quite greatly from the earlier Hellenic culture in a variety of ways. The entire civilization changed. While it had been centered around the core of the polis during the Hellenic phase, it shifted to a civilization more based in empires and kingdoms, and the city-state of the polis dwindled in power. This made many Greeks feel less sure of their position in the government and in affairs outside Greece. This was perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the Hellenistic age, because Greek society had been based on a true democracy of the people, and with the rise of the empires and the kingdoms, the people lost some of their power in everyday government. It made them feel isolated and alone as the polis disappeared, but it also changed the basic makeup of the people, creating a distinct "ruling" class that had not been quite as prevalent before. In fact, many societies in Greek culture actually worshipped their leader as if he were a God.

In addition, it added to a general feeling of separation, because many Greeks were settling in far-off conquered lands, and spreading the culture throughout the Mediterranean. This led to a broadening of Greek power and Greek culture, and led to a more globalized outlook for the Greeks, too. They were no longer simply responsible for their own cities; they were responsible for city-states in a far-reaching area, such as Egypt and the Near East. It was a time when philosophers began to broaden their awareness of others, and so did the Greek people. Therefore, the Greeks began a long tradition of conquest and blending of cultures, which still exists today. It became, as the text notes, a more "cosmopolitan" culture, which seems somehow to mark the true democracy in modern times. As the square area and influence of Greece grew, so did the appreciation of arts, culture, and architecture. The Hellenistic cities became centers of learning and artistic creation, and most of the impetus came from the homeland of Greece and the influence of the Grecian philosophers and rulers, such as Alexander the Great.