RUNNING HEAD: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CLASSICAL AND HELLENISTIC

GREECE

The differences between Classical and Hellenistic Greece are Classical refers to

the people who lived in classical Greece before the conquests of Philip. Greeks (Hellenic)

were isolated and their civilization was termed classic because it was not heavily

influenced by outside forces. Hellenistic refers to Greeks and others who lived during the

period after Alexander the Great conquests (mixture of civilizations). It could also refer

to language, literature, politics, etc., in the Near East, as well as those other places after

the death of Alexander.

The Classical and Hellenistic Ages had many differences, including that of art.

However, as the times began to change, the Greeks were no longer satisfied with the gods

and the myths that they had created and sought to discover better answers for their many

questions. The Greek gods had human emotions as well as special strengths and powers

and were the embodiment of human perfection. This new period of time was

undoubtedly different from its previous age, the Classical Age. These Greek

philosophers, called Sophists, also rejected the old myths and gods, but also declared that

it was impossible for man to discover all the secrets of life and the universe. This period

of time when the Greek culture and power extended itself across the known world was

called the Hellenistic age, also known as the "age of the Greeks".
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During the Hellenistic period, art underwent dramatic transformations and

evolved on what was paved previously by the classical artist. Artist of this period began

to express the human figure in a more naturalistic manner. Hellenistic philosophy paid

less attention to politics and the prime subject of philosophy was ethic, a discovery of the

best way to live. As well philosophy and politics shifted with each new era. However,

politics was the main topic of discussion especially in such a time of prosperity and

political military conflict. Hellenistic art portrayed the changing male attitudes towards

women and toward gender issues. The art of the classical Greek style characterized by a

joyous, freedom of expression celebrates mankind as an independent entity. During the

Hellenistic period philosophy did not pay any attention to politics instead it focused on

ethics and finding the best way to live, the art of the era focused on emotions and feelings

and changing attitudes to better their living styles. The classical period gave way to the

experimentation and a sense of freedom that allowed the artist to explore his subjects

from different unique points of view. Philosophy at this time was moving away from

religion, and concentrated on the awareness of self, philosophy and art had a central focus

of self.

The age of Greece was a wonderful time for immense accomplishments and

discovery in science, literature, art, language, philosophy, and many other fields of

knowledge. Even the alphabet that we use today is derived from the ancient Greek

alphabet that they developed from the Phoenicians. Greek mythology is also still popular

today in many stories and movies on the big screen, even though the modern sciences
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have replaced them as sources of truth. Some of Greece's largest and most prominent

accomplishments include the development of philosophy, the building of the great city of

Athens, and the Hellenistic Age, in which Greek culture was spread into the Eastern

countries. Although Greece is no longer what it used to be, the influence of its

civilization and culture will forever have an impact on our culture, society, and peoples.

The Greeks were the world's first philosophers. They were the first to wonder about

nature, how the world worked, and the real meaning of life, instead of just living life by

the old Greek mythology.

References

http://wps.ablongman.com/long_kishlansky_cw_5/4/1048/268470.cw/index.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1499580/philosophical_and_religious_differen
ces.html?cat=37

http://edweb.tusd.k12.az.us/uhs/website/courses/wc/historiography/classical_and_hellenis
tic_greece.htm

http://www.teacheroz.com/greeks.html