Alexander the great Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Alexander the great - Research Paper Example The Hellenistic period acted as a milestone for the revolution of the Greek society from inward looking and restricted city-states to a sophisticated and open culture. This culture spread to the whole of Southwest Asia and Eastern Mediterranean. The age of Hellenism, which started in 800 B.C, lasted up to the time of Alexander the Great’s death in 323 B.C. (Stoneman 19). The Hellenistic thought can be associated with Alexander the Great, who made significant contributions that shaped the Hellenistic period. With his numerous conquests, Alexander the Great helped in the development of Hellenistic thought. Alexander’s main contribution to the Hellenistic thought rests in his desire for conquest (Stoneman 21). Through his military conquests, he created an empire that encouraged learning and cultural exchange. He also contributed to remarkable Hellenistic ideas that have lasted up to today through governance, forms of art, and government. Moreover, he led to the creation of an empire that allowed people to spread and blend; this promoted learning. Thus, Alexander the Great paved way for the spreading of Hellenistic thought and ideas. As a way of thinking, Hellenism has some merits and demerits. The pros of Hellenistic thought include the remarkable contributions in the fields of math, medicine, mechanical science, and philosophy. Moreover, Hellenism promoted trade and exchange of cultures and ideas. In math, Hellenistic thought led to numerous developments in geometry (Perry 66). In medicine, Hellenism paved way for several discoveries such as the use of dissections to distinguish between nerves and arteries. In the field of mechanical science, Hellenism contributed to the invention of the steam engine. In philosophy, Hellenism led to the emergence of new ideas such as Stoicism, which emphasized on the need to perform one’s duty and persevering