Hellenic refers to the people who lived in classical Greece before the conquests of Philip. Greeks (Hellenic)were isolated and their civilization was termed classic because it was not heavily influenced by outside forces.
Hellenistic refers to Greeks and others who lived during the period after Alexander the Great's conquests. (mixture of civilizations)
| Features | Hellenic World | Hellenistic World |
| Government | Small, self-governing city-states | Empires ruled by monarchs, kings.
Cities ruled by wealthy class |
| Education | Private tutors for well-to-do. Physical training at gym | Education and physical training at gymnasium |
| Language | Classical Greek | Greek (kione), Aramaic |
| Commerce | Limited commercial activity | extensive trade on sea and land |
| Status of women | restricted roles, domestic chiefly | marriage contracts, own slaves and property, act as regents |
| Slavery | Widespread use | Widespread use |
| Literature | Golden age drama, poetry | Greek influence with local culture |
| Philosophy | Emphasis on logic ethics, reason(Socrates, Plato, Aristotle) | Non-rational, Oriental mysticism
1. Stoic 2. Epicurean 3. Cynic |
| Science | Acceptance of experimental method but more attention to philosophy | Advances in astronomy, mathematics, and medicine |
| Religion | Olympian gods of Greece | Adapted Olympian gods for Rome, local religions |
Is the United States more similar to the Hellenic society or the Hellenistic
societies?
Differences between Hellenistic Greece and Rome
| Alexander's Empire
(336-323 B. C.) Hellenistic |
Roman Empire
(27 B.C.-A.D. 476) |
|
| Rule | Alexander the Great had all the power | Power rested in the hands of the various emperors, although there was an established Roman code of law |
| Role of army | Was led by and supported Alexander | army supported the emperor and on some occasions assassinated an existing emperor and/or chose a new emperor |
| Effects on conquered people | New cities were built as cultural centers;
blend of all cultures united people; had uniform currency |
People came under Roman law and rule; individuals could become citizens of Rome; people experience peace and prosperity during the "Pax Romana"; people came in contact with Roman culture and values such as language, art, architecture, religion, and engineering |
| Succession to rulers *remember | With no one chosen to follow empire crumbled after Alexander's
death
split among three generals |
Some emperors attempted to establish dynasty, while others adopted the man they wished to succeed them. However, succession frequently resulted in civil wars or power struggles. |
| Long-lasting effects | Spread Greek ideas over large areas, which tended to unify people | Spread Roman ideas over large area, many aspects of culture are still evident today, especially in western Europe-for example, use of Latin, basic tenets of law, and engineering techniques established by the legions |