Hellenism is called a specific period of Greek civilization.
In Greek is where we can establish that the etymological origin of the term Hellenism that concerns us now is found. Exactly it must be indicated that it derives from the word "hellenizein", which can be translated as "speak like a Greek." Furthermore, it is interesting to know that this, in turn, comes from "hellen", which is synonymous with "Greek".
This is the name given to the period of Greek civilization that begins with Alexander the Great , characterized by the incorporation of cultural elements from Egypt and Asia Minor .
Characteristics of Hellenism
Also called the Alexandrian period or the Hellenistic period , Hellenism is usually considered a time of transition between the decline of classical Greece and the advance of Roman power . The period began in the year 336 BC , when Alexander the Great (or Alexander III ) was proclaimed king of Macedonia ; continued with the diádocos (the generals of Alexander the Great 's army who disputed power after the king's death); and it developed until Roman domination of the Hellenistic world was achieved.
During Hellenism there was a syncretism between local gods, the divinities of the Ancient East and the classical pantheon. Philosophy , for its part, was divided into different empirical sciences and schools, sects and movements such as the skeptics or the cynics emerged.
The Venus de Milo is a statue that was created during Hellenism.
Iconic constructions and works
Hellenism also marked the conversion of the great Greek cities into centers of art and knowledge. In this period the Colossus of Rhodes and the Lighthouse of Alexandria were built and the Venus de Milo was created, for example.
Other important characteristics of Hellenism were the consolidation of the figure of the doctor (who replaced the sorcerer) and the advance in the studies of mathematics and astronomy .
Other peculiarities of Hellenism
In addition to everything stated above, we cannot ignore the existence of another important series of data about Hellenism, among which we can highlight the following:
-If Greek culture managed to spread strongly during this period, it was due, among other things, to the written language and, specifically, thanks to a more common version of this language that responded to the name Koine.
-Philosophical schools that were committed to making human beings find happiness gained great relevance. That would be the case of some such as skepticism, Epicureanism or Stoicism.
-Medicine and geography also developed strongly thanks to figures of the stature of Archimedes, Hippocrates or Euclid, among others.
-There were several cities that became very important during Hellenism. We are referring not only to Athens but also to Alexandria, Syracuse, Pergamon or Rhodes.
-"The Victory of Samothrace", the "Farnese Atlas", "Belvedere Torso", "Old Fisherman", "Pugil at Rest" or "Aphrodite Curled Up" are some of the most significant and important sculptures of the Hellenistic period and that are today They have become real gems.
Influence of the language and culture of Greece
The word Hellenism, on the other hand, is used to refer to the way of speaking characteristic of the Greek language and the use of these phrases in other languages.
Hellenism is also associated with the influence that the culture of Ancient Greece exerted on later civilizations.