Hellenistic Period

Hellenization is a term used to describe a cultural change in which something non Greek becomes. The process can either be voluntary, or applied with varying degrees of force. One man from the ancient world who is said to of started the movement of Hellenism is Alexander the Great. Throughout his thirteen year rule of Macedonia, Alexander conquered many lands; his goal was to be ruler of the known world. Alexander had to be sure that he was never cut off and stranded far from the Mediterranean world. His solution was to set up cities and military colonies in strategic places. At least 70 cities were formed with the victories of Alexander over far off countries. In the cities and settlements he would leave behind Greek mercenaries and Macedonian veterans who were no longer able to keep up with Alexander's grueling campaigning. During his time of power Alexander spread Greek culture to the non-Greeks that he overtook with his military genius and prowess. With Hellenism on the rise, city-states came to the forefront of expansion. The expansion of the Greek language was also on the rise. Immigration into the Greek empire was the greatest of its time. Greek culture was being imitated throughout the land conquered by Alexander, and the beliefs of the Greeks, such as gods, were also being implemented throughout the lands. Although the Hellenistic period did not historically start until the death of Alexander, he could be thought of as the father of Hellenism. He brought about change over the lands he conquered with his furious battle strategies and tactics. The end of the Hellenistic period is generally seen as 31 B.C., when the kingdom of Ptolemaic Egypt was utterly defeated by the Romans at the Battle of Actium.