ABSTRACT

The nature of Greek civilization was considerably changed by the conquests of Alexander the Great. With the spread of Greek rule throughout western Asia and Egypt, the Greeks confronted and intermingled with neighboring cultures in a way never before imagined. This chapter explores four themes that dominate the Hellenistic period, with impact on the nature of cities: the continuing development of Greek art and architectural forms and styles; the effects of kingship on the urban experience; the Greek confrontation with non-Greek cultures; and the city as multi-cultural commercial center. Examples that illustrate these themes will be one rural temple, the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, and three cities, Pergamon, Alexandria, and Delos.