The main difference between Hellenic and Hellenistic is that the Hellenic period occurred before the death of Alexander the Great, whereas the Hellenistic period occurred after the death of Alexander the Great.
Hellenic and Hellenistic are two periods of time in the history of Greek civilization. The death of Alexander the Great is the event that marked the difference between Hellenic and Hellenistic periods.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Hellenic
– Definition, Features
2. What is Hellenistic
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Hellenic and Hellenistic
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Hellenic, Hellenistic, Greece
What is Hellenic
The term Hellenic is used to describe ancient Greek history, culture, or art before the Hellenistic period. The Hellenic period also refers to Classical Greece, which is the Golden Age of Greece. This is the time period between 507 BCE (which marked the date of the first democracy in Athens) and 323 BCE (when Alexander the Great died). Hellenic period primarily extended to the Greek mainland, Crete, the islands of the Greek archipelago, and the coast of Asia Minor.
There were many well-known scientists and scientific discoveries during this period. Pythagoras’ invention of the ‘Pythagoras Theorem,’ Thales’ predictions on a solar eclipse, Aristotle’s development of metaphysics and syllogism theories, and Hippocrates’ scientific methods are some of these. This period also witnessed Homer’s epic writings. Art and architecture also flourished in classical Greece. Marble sculptures and statues portrayed human illustriousness and sensuality. In architecture, Doric and Ionic columns were popular features.
What is Hellenistic
Hellenistic is the term that refers to the period between the death of Alexander the Great (323 BC) and the emergence of the Roman empire. The term “Hellenistic” originates from the root word Hellas, which is an ancient Greek word for Greece that was coined by German historian Johann Gustav Droysen to denote the spread of Greek culture over the non-Greek states captured by Alexander the Great.
Hellenistic Greece
During the Hellenistic period, Greek cultural influence and power spread to many parts of the world; although Greek influence was dominant in the Mediterranean world, it also reached Western countries, central Asia, and even the Indian subcontinent. It was a time of progress and prosperity in many different fields, such as science, music, literature, architecture, mathematics, arts, astrology, philosophy, and exploration. Furthermore, some major developments in literature and philosophy were the rise of Alexandrian poetry, the Septuagint and New Comedy, and the philosophies of Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Pyrrhonism. Moreover, the works of Euclid and Archimedes enhanced the field of science.
Difference Between Hellenic and Hellenistic
Definition
Hellenic is the term used to describe ancient Greek history, culture, or art before the Hellenistic period, while Hellenistic is the term that refers to the period between the death of Alexander the Great and the emergence of the Roman empire.
Time Period
The Hellenic period is between the date of the first democracy in Athens and the death of Alexander the Great, while the Hellenistic period is between the death of Alexander the Great (323 BC) and the emergence of the Roman empire.
Art
Moreover, Hellenic art was characterized by exuberance and sensuality, while Hellenistic art was characterized by naturalism.
Philosophy
Hellenic philosophy was driven by the quest for truth, and Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates were the notable figures during the period, while Hellenistic philosophy was driven by reason.
Science
While the Hellenic period witnessed the works of notable scientists like Thales, Pythagorean, Aristotle, and Hippocrates, the Hellenistic period witnessed the works of Euclid and Archimedes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hellenic and Hellenistic are two periods of time in the history of Greek civilization. The main difference between Hellenic and Hellenistic is that the Hellenic period occurred before the death of Alexander the Great, whereas the Hellenistic period occurred after the death of Alexander the Great.
Reference:
1. “Hellenistic Period.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Apr. 2022.
2. “Classical Greece.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 4 Feb. 2010.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Photo of architecture, structure, monument, arch, column, greek, mediterranean, ancient, landmark, archaeology, temple, ruins, greece, famous, historical, site, athens, acropolis, ancient rome, aqueduct, hellenic, parthenon, roman temple, historic site, ancient history, egyptian temple, ancient roman architecture, ancient greek temple” (CC0) via Pxhere
2. “Macedonia and the Aegean World c.200” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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