Alexander spread Greek culture with his vast empire and conquests

"Hellas" is Greek for the word Greece

The 300 years after the death of Alexander is called the Hellenistic Era

Greek culture dominated the world

Cultural Diffusion (exchange of ideas) was the reason for the spread of Greek Culture

Many Greek colonies were established throughout Alexander's vast empire

This Greek, or Hellenistic ideas could be seen in Persia, Egypt, Afghanistan, and the river valleys of northern India

Alexander was the founder of over 70 cities where Greek designs and architecture were evident

Greek temples, gymnasiums, and theaters could be seen in these Hellenistic cities

The top Hellenistic city was Alexandria (in Egypt), which became Egypt's new capital

The great city of Alexandria became the wealthiest and most cultured city in the ancient world

Streets were lined with colonnades (rows of columns supporting a roof for shade)

Parks and opens spaces were seen throughout Alexandria (making it a pleasant environment)

Alexandria was multiethnic (a mix of different cultures and peoples: Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and many others)

It truly was a Cosmopolitan (worldly) city

Alexandria was know as a great center for education

Its museum and Great Library had many copies of books written in Greek (about 500,000 scrolls)

Scientists from all over the world came to study at the Great Library of Alexandria

The best artists, sculptors, writers, and musicians all came to Alexandria

Alexandria was the cultural and trade center of the entire Hellenistic world