Hellenization and acculturation Hellenistic period

one of first representations of buddha, , example of greco-buddhist art, 1st-2nd century ad, gandhara: standing buddha (tokyo national museum).



bull capital rampurva, maurya empire, 3rd century bc, indian museum, calcutta. subject matter indian (zebu), global shape influenced achaemenid styles, , floral band incorporates hellenistic designs (flame palmettes).

the concept of hellenization, meaning adoption of greek culture in non-greek regions, has long been controversial. undoubtedly greek influence did spread through hellenistic realms, extent, , whether deliberate policy or mere cultural diffusion, have been hotly debated.

it seems alexander himself pursued policies led hellenization, such foundations of new cities , greek colonies. while may have been deliberate attempt spread greek culture (or arrian says, civilise natives ), more series of pragmatic measures designed aid in rule of enormous empire. cities , colonies centers of administrative control , macedonian power in newly conquered region. alexander seems have attempted create mixed greco-persian elite class shown susa weddings , adoption of forms of persian dress , court culture. brought persian , other non-greek peoples military , elite cavalry units of companion cavalry. again, better see these policies pragmatic response demands of ruling large empire idealized attempt bringing greek culture barbarians . approach bitterly resented macedonians , discarded of diadochi after alexander s death. these policies can interpreted result of alexander s possible megalomania during later years.

after alexander s death in 323 bc, influx of greek colonists new realms continued spread greek culture asia. founding of new cities , military colonies continued major part of successors struggle control of particular region, , these continued centers of cultural diffusion. spread of greek culture under successors seems have occurred spreading of greeks themselves, rather active policy.

throughout hellenistic world, these greco-macedonian colonists considered , large superior native barbarians , excluded non-greeks upper echelons of courtly , government life. of native population not hellenized, had little access greek culture , found discriminated against hellenic overlords. gymnasiums , greek education, example, greeks only. greek cities , colonies may have exported greek art , architecture far indus, these enclaves of greek culture transplanted greek elite. degree of influence greek culture had throughout hellenistic kingdoms therefore highly localized , based on few great cities alexandria , antioch. natives did learn greek , adopt greek ways, limited few local elites allowed retain posts diadochi , small number of mid-level administrators acted intermediaries between greek speaking upper class , subjects. in seleucid empire, example, group amounted 2.5 percent of official class.

hellenistic art nevertheless had considerable influence on cultures had been affected hellenistic expansion. far indian subcontinent, hellenistic influence on indian art broad , far-reaching, , had effects several centuries following forays of alexander great.

despite initial reluctance, successors seem have later deliberately naturalized different regions, presumably in order maintain control of population. in ptolemaic kingdom, find egyptianized greeks 2nd century onwards. in indo-greek kingdom find kings converts buddhism (e.g., menander). greeks in regions therefore gradually become localized , adopting local customs appropriate. in way, hybrid hellenistic cultures naturally emerged, @ least among upper echelons of society.

the trends of hellenization therefore accompanied greeks adopting native ways on time, varied place , social class. farther away mediterranean , lower in social status, more colonist adopt local ways, while greco-macedonian elites , royal families remained thoroughly greek , viewed non-greeks disdain. not until cleopatra vii ptolemaic ruler bothered learn egyptian language of subjects.