--- title: Hellenistic Period author: Antoine Simonin source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 1970-01-01 --- # Hellenistic Period _Authored by [Antoine Simonin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/Deathfinger/)_ The [Hellenistic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/) Period is a part of the Ancient Period for the European and Near Asian space. The use of this period is justified by the extent of the [Hellenic](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/) [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/) in most of these areas, due to the [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) political presence especially in Asia after [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/)'s conquests, but also to a new wave of [Greek colonization](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Colonization/). In consequence, the Hellenistic Period is usually accepted to begin in 323 BCE with Alexander's [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) and ends in 31 BCE with the [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) of the last Hellenistic kingdom by [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/), the Lagid kingdom of [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/). For the Asian part, we could lengthen it to 10 BCE, when the last [Indo-Greek kingdom](https://www.worldhistory.org/Indo-Greek/) was conquered by Indo-[Sakas](https://www.worldhistory.org/Scythians/). Politically, the Hellenistic Period is characterized by a division and a split from Alexander's former [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/), with endless wars between the Diadochi and their successors. Thus the Hellenistic kingdoms weakened themselves and thus gradually created space for competing kingdoms, such as Pontus or [Bactria](https://www.worldhistory.org/Bactria/). At the same time, [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) power was in exponential expansion, annihilating other political presence in [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/), and then the Carthaginian dominance of the [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/) in the three [Punic Wars](https://www.worldhistory.org/Punic_Wars/). At the end of the Hellenistic Period the young [Roman empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Empire/) had almost reached its maximum expansion, from Lusitania (modern Portugal) to [Syria](https://www.worldhistory.org/syria/) and from South-[Britain](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Britain/) to Egypt. Other general political evolution can be seen too: The [Celts](https://www.worldhistory.org/celt/) were shaken once more by a big wave of migration (from which arose among others the famous Galatians in [Anatolia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/)). The growing pressure of the Celts' neighbours, though, especially from Germanic Tribes and the Romans, reduced their dominion drastically at the end of the period. In the endless northern steppes of Asia, nomad pressures continued in a similar way as before, Sarmatians pressuring Scythes and Yuezhei pressuring Sakas, who increased so their attacks against the Bactrian and then [Indo-Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/Indo-Greek/) kingdoms. In general, some things characterized this period in opposition of the previous one: The model of the [city-state](https://www.worldhistory.org/Polis/) which dominated before was replaced by the different kinds of kingdoms, with more centralized power. Moreso, it is the basic idea of administration which changed: It was no longer a matter of managing the civic affairs in the name of the community, but by delegation in the name of one personal authority. At the same time, mercenaries were more frequently used in Hellenistic armies, in order to face the military and technical evolution which greatly increased the cost for equip a civic army. The best example is the fame and the use of the Galatians by the Hellenistic kingdoms. [ ![Perseus, Macedonian Silver Tetradrachm](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/844.jpg?v=1612566905) Perseus, Macedonian Silver Tetradrachm Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/844/perseus-macedonian-silver-tetradrachm/ "Perseus, Macedonian Silver Tetradrachm") Culturally, this period is not an intermediary era between the prosperous Classic and Imperial ones, as it was described in the past. [Aristotle](https://www.worldhistory.org/aristotle/) the father of modern sciences, Menander the great comedies' author, Epicure the moralist, [Eratosthenes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Eratosthenes/), but also [Euclid](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euclid/), [Archimedes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Archimedes/), and [Polybius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Polybius/) lived and worked during the Hellenistic Period. This period showed progress in [architecture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/architecture/), a lot of great euergetism (altruistic donations to the community), a multiplication of feast days and celebrations (shown by the great number of created theatres), the development of art and the creation of libraries, with the most famous being in [Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/alexandria/). #### Editorial Review This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Passionate about ancient Central Asia. Maintains the website From Bactria to Taxila. Works in the Europa Barbarorum project. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-simonin/52/685/a9a/e) ## Timeline - **c. 402 BCE - 318 BCE**: Life of Athenian statesman and general [Phocion](https://www.worldhistory.org/Phocion/). - **330 BCE - 64 BCE**: [Hellenistic Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/) in [Byblos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byblos/). - **c. 325 BCE - c. 320 BCE**: [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) rule in [Gandhara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gandhara_Civilization/), ending some time after the [death of Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2366/death-of-alexander-the-great/). - **323 BCE**: [Death of Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2366/death-of-alexander-the-great/), beginning of The [Hellenistic Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/) / The [Hellenistic World](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/). - **322 BCE - 320 BCE**: First Successor [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) between [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/)'s successors. - **319 BCE - 315 BCE**: Second Successor [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) between [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/)'s successors. - **314 BCE - 311 BCE**: Third Successor [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) between [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/)'s successors. - **312 BCE**: [Seleucos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Seleucos/) conquers [Babylon](https://www.worldhistory.org/babylon/) and founds the [Seleucid](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/) dynasty. - **c. 312 BCE - 63 BCE**: Duration of the [Seleucid Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/). - **310 BCE**: Assassination of [Roxanne](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roxanne/) and [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/) IV, wife and son of [Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/). - **309 BCE - 308 BCE**: [Agathocles of Syracuse](https://www.worldhistory.org/Agathocles_of_Syracuse/) successfuly campaigns in North [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/) defeating Carthaginian armies and taking [Utica](https://www.worldhistory.org/Utica/) and Hippacra. - **308 BCE - 301 BCE**: Fourth Successor [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) between [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/)'s successors. - **306 BCE**: [Demetrius I of Macedon](https://www.worldhistory.org/Demetrius_I_of_Macedon/) defeats [Ptolemy](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Ptolemy/)'s fleet at [Salamis](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Salamis/), off the coast of [Cyprus](https://www.worldhistory.org/cyprus/). - **306 BCE**: [Epicurus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Epicurus/) buys a garden in [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/) in which he begins to teach Epicureanism. - **c. 301 BCE - c. 320 BCE**: Doric [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) to [Athena](https://www.worldhistory.org/athena/) and fortifications of [Lysimachus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Lysimachus/) built at [Troy](https://www.worldhistory.org/troy/). - **301 BCE**: The [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Ipsus in central [Phrygia](https://www.worldhistory.org/phrygia/) where [Lysimachus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Lysimachus/) and [Seleucos I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/) defeat [Antigonus I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Antigonus_I/) and [Demetrius I of Macedon](https://www.worldhistory.org/Demetrius_I_of_Macedon/). - **295 BCE**: Demetrius I campaigns in central [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/), removes the tyrant Lachares from [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/) and defeats [Sparta](https://www.worldhistory.org/sparta/). - **294 BCE - c. 288 BCE**: Demetrius I rules as king of [Macedon](https://www.worldhistory.org/macedon/). - **287 BCE - 212 BCE**: Life of [Archimedes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Archimedes/), physician, mathematician and engineer. - **285 BCE - 282 BCE**: [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) defeats the [Celts](https://www.worldhistory.org/celt/) in [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/). Rome's dominance in central Italy is secured. - **c. 280 BCE**: Founding of the [Achaean League](https://www.worldhistory.org/Achaean_League/) in the [Peloponnese](https://www.worldhistory.org/Peloponnese/) of [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/). - **280 BCE - 275 BCE**: King [Pyrrhus](https://www.worldhistory.org/pyrrhus/) of Epirus wages the Pyrrhic [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) against the Romans in [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/), defence of [Tarentum](https://www.worldhistory.org/tarentum/) being the pretext. - **279 BCE**: [Celts](https://www.worldhistory.org/celt/) invade Thrace and [Anatolia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/). - **272 BCE**: [Death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of [Pyrrhus](https://www.worldhistory.org/pyrrhus/) of Epirus in a street [battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) in [Argos](https://www.worldhistory.org/argos/). - **c. 270 BCE**: [Aristarchus of Samos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristarchus_of_Samos/) proposes a heliocentric world view. - **263 BCE - 241 BCE**: Reign of Eumenes I at [Pergamon](https://www.worldhistory.org/pergamon/). - **262 BCE**: Eumenes rebels and wins against the [Seleucid](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/) Antiochus I. Beginning of the [Pergamon](https://www.worldhistory.org/pergamon/) [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/). - **250 BCE**: Former [satrap](https://www.worldhistory.org/Persian_Governor/) [Diodotos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/diodotos/) rebels against [Seleucid](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/) king [Antiochos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/antiochos/) I, creating the [Greco-Bactrian kingdom](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greco-Bactria/). - **241 BCE - 197 BCE**: Reign of Attalus I at [Pergamon](https://www.worldhistory.org/pergamon/). - **222 BCE**: The [Achaean League](https://www.worldhistory.org/Achaean_League/) and [Antigonos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Antigonos/) III of [Macedon](https://www.worldhistory.org/macedon/) defeat [Sparta](https://www.worldhistory.org/sparta/) at Sellasia. - **c. 190 BCE**: First appearance of multiple [Euthydemid](https://www.worldhistory.org/euthydemid/) kings at the same time. Beginning of the [Indo-Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/Indo-Greek/) kingdoms. - **c. 188 BCE**: The treaty of Apamea Kibotos. Peace and alliance is established between the [Seleucid Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/) and [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) joined by its allies, such as [Pergamon](https://www.worldhistory.org/pergamon/) and [Rhodes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rhodes/). The Seleucids have to evacuate all the land and the [cities](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) from [Asia Minor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/) and to pay a huge [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) indemnity. - **172 BCE - 168 BCE**: Third Macedonian [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/): [Perseus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Perseus/) of [Macedon](https://www.worldhistory.org/macedon/) challenges [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) and is defeated. - **147 BCE - 139 BCE**: The Lusitanian commander Viriatus bleeds [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) armies. - **146 BCE**: [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) sacks [Corinth](https://www.worldhistory.org/corinth/) and dissolves the [Achaean league](https://www.worldhistory.org/Achaean_League/). [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/) is ruled by Rome. - **146 BCE**: End of the [Third Punic War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Third_Punic_War/). [Carthage](https://www.worldhistory.org/carthage/) is destroyed and its lands become the [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) province [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/). - **133 BCE**: Attalus III, the last king of [Pergamon](https://www.worldhistory.org/pergamon/), bequeathes the whole of Pergamon to [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **129 BCE**: Parthians [conquer](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/). The [Silk Road](https://www.worldhistory.org/Silk_Road/) to [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/) is now controlled by the Parthians. - **89 BCE - 63 BCE**: Mithridatic Wars between [Mithridates VI](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mithridates_VI/) and [Roman Republic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Republic/) . - **83 BCE**: [Tigranes II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tigranes_the_Great/) invades and destroys the [Seleucid Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/). - **58 BCE - 51 BCE**: [Julius Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Julius_Caesar/)'s [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) of [Gaul](https://www.worldhistory.org/gaul/). - **37 BCE**: [Herod the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Herod_the_Great/) is installed as King of [Judaea](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/judaea/). Rebuilding of the [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of [Jerusalem](https://www.worldhistory.org/jerusalem/). - **c. 30 BCE - c. 19 BCE**: [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) poet [Virgil](https://www.worldhistory.org/virgil/) writes his [Aeneid](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Aeneid/). ## External Links - [What is Hellenistic Sculpture? Exploring the History of Hellenistic Art](https://mymodernmet.com/what-is-hellenistic-sculpture-history/) - [Hellenistic Rulers](http://allthingsclassics.weebly.com/hellenistic-rulers.html) - [Hellenistic Jewelry | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/hjew/hd_hjew.htm) - [Intellectual Pursuits of the Hellenistic Age | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/ipha/hd_ipha.htm) - [List of Rulers of the Ancient Greek World | Lists of Rulers | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/gkru/hd_gkru.htm) ## Cite This Work ### APA Simonin, A. (2011, April 28). Hellenistic Period. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic\_Period/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/) ### Chicago Simonin, Antoine. "Hellenistic Period." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 28, 2011. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic\_Period/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/). ### MLA Simonin, Antoine. "Hellenistic Period." *World History Encyclopedia*, 28 Apr 2011, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic\_Period/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/). ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Antoine Simonin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/Deathfinger/ "User Page: Antoine Simonin"), published on 28 April 2011. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. 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