Ancient Greece

<< back to History Atlas: Ancient Middle East

Hellenistic Period Overview

The Hellenistic period began in 323 BCE, when Alexander the Great died. His vast conquests became divided between his leading generals, who founded royal dynasties over the seperate kingdoms. In them, Greek civilization spread right across the Middle East, and became mixed with local cultures to produce a hybrid civilization. The period lasted until 31 BCE, when the last Hellenistic kingdom – the Egypt of Queen Cleopatra – fell to Rome.