Collision and Blending: History and Culture in the Hellenistic Age
by Yang Juping
About This Novel
In 334 BC, Alexander, the King of Macedonia and the commander-in-chief of the Greek coalition, launched his eastern expedition, ushering in the first major collision, exchange, and convergence of ancient Eastern and Western civilizations. Although Alexander died young and his empire quickly fell apart, the Hellenistic world he created lasted for about three centuries across the vast land from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Indus River. Facing the oriental civilization with a long history and profound traditions, the Greek conquerors had to maintain their political rule and cultural advantages while respecting the local culture and absorbing, transforming and utilizing it conditionally. Thus, together with some Hellenistic locals, they created a mixed culture that was mainly Greek elements and compatible with Eastern elements - Hellenistic culture. This culture has a long history and influenced the development direction of European culture through the Roman Empire. It also had a certain degree of contact and integration with Chinese civilization in the Far East through the Silk Road.
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