Background
The Hellenistic Empire, or Hellenistic Age was a Greek-based empire, that was founded by Alexander the Great's Diadochi/ Commanders, upon his death. It is known to have began in 323 BC, and ended in 31 BC at the hands of the Roman Empire during the Battle of Actium. The empire was split between all of the commanders, who each got their own kingdom respectively. A few kingdoms were founded, such as the Seleucid Kingdom, Antagonid Kingdom, and Ptolemaic Kingdom. Although, they were seperate kingdoms, this did not diminish the empire as a whole, as trade and contact were made very often. However, the Hellenistic Empire is named the way it is for a reason. Hellenistic is derived from the greek word Hellezein, which means to associate and accept greek language, culture, and philosophy. The empire was made to spread greek beliefs across the whole known world, as that was the dream of Alexander the Great and his father.
Key People
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King Phillip II of Macedonia
Years before the Hellenistic Age began, King Phillip II had plans set out for Greek invasion over all of Asia and Asia Minor. After rising to power in Macedonia, he set out to achieve this plan. He converted his then, weak, and ineffective army, into a powerful millitary force to be reckoned with. Using treachery, bribes, blackmail, and war, he was able to subdue most of Greece, before setting his eyes onto the Persian Empire and the rest of Europe. Unfortunately, his reign as kings caused many to stir, his once friend stabbed him to death, leading to the rise of Alexander to the throne. Many believe the foundation he left for Alexander, is the reason his son was able to conquer with such efficiency. Undoubtably, his dream of the spread of Greek culture is the reason the Hellenistic Age occured in the first place.
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Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great was the son of Phillip II of Macedonia and Queen Olympia. He was tutored and mentored by Aristotle. He took the throne of Macedonia at only age 20, after the death of his father. He secured his throne by killing off any other potential heirs, with him being the only rightful king. Alexander had been the commander for his father's army at age 18, and continued his success on the battlefield after conquering the whole Persian Empire by age 26. Being the ruler of a non-greek kingdom, he began the promotion of hellenization throughout. However, his conquest was not finished, at age 30 he had found his way to the Indian frontier. However, this conquest fell short, as the unforgiving weather caused his army to perform a mutiny and turn back. Alexander conquered almost the whole known world, and took down Persian Empire as well, which was a very strong Empire. His millitary tactics and mind are undisputed, having never lost a battle, he set the groundwork for the Hellenistic Empire, and would've even ruled it himself had he not have died of malaria when he was 32 years of age. He is still remembered today as Alexander the Great for his amazing millitary mind and ruthless fighting style, and his legacy is reflected by the height of the Hellenistic Empire.
Alexander the Great was the son of Phillip II of Macedonia and Queen Olympia. He was tutored and mentored by Aristotle. He took the throne of Macedonia at only age 20, after the death of his father. He secured his throne by killing off any other potential heirs, with him being the only rightful king. Alexander had been the commander for his father's army at age 18, and continued his success on the battlefield after conquering the whole Persian Empire by age 26. Being the ruler of a non-greek kingdom, he began the promotion of hellenization throughout. However, his conquest was not finished, at age 30 he had found his way to the Indian frontier. However, this conquest fell short, as the unforgiving weather caused his army to perform a mutiny and turn back. Alexander conquered almost the whole known world, and took down Persian Empire as well, which was a very strong Empire. His millitary tactics and mind are undisputed, having never lost a battle, he set the groundwork for the Hellenistic Empire, and would've even ruled it himself had he not have died of malaria when he was 32 years of age. He is still remembered today as Alexander the Great for his amazing millitary mind and ruthless fighting style, and his legacy is reflected by the height of the Hellenistic Empire.
Ptolemy~Claimed Egpyt
Lysimachus~ Claimed Thrace
Seleucus I Nicator~ Claimed Asia
Cassander~ Claimed Macedonia
Antigonus~ Claimed Asia Minor
Lysimachus~ Claimed Thrace
Seleucus I Nicator~ Claimed Asia
Cassander~ Claimed Macedonia
Antigonus~ Claimed Asia Minor