Cambridge Ancient History. Volume 7. Part 1, Hellenistic World

The term "Hellenism" is often used to describe a world in which Greek was the universal language. Greeks moved in droves to the south and east to establish new colonies, or joined mercenary armies in search of wealth, convinced of their status as members of the new ruling class. Discord and conflict inevitably arose as local people and cultures became involved in this creeping Hellenization. Using extensive primary sources, the author examines political events from the death of Alexander to the incorporation of the Hellenistic world into the Roman Empire. He also examines the world's different social institutions and customs, important developments in literature, science, and technology, and the founding of new religious movements. This book is divided into twelve chapters: historical materials of the Hellenistic period, succession to Alexander, monarchy and the concept of monarchy, the formation of Hellenistic kingdoms, Ptolemaic Egypt, Syria and the East, Macedonia and Greece. The previous chapters focus on specific areas and aspects of the Hellenistic world and the lives of the people in this world. The following chapters 10 to 12 turn mainly to factual narratives.