Hellenistic Civilisation

[edyzmedieval]

One of my favourite things in history, is the period called the Hellenistic Civilisation, basically the period after Alexander the Great' death.

I want you to recommend me books and websites as I wish to complete my personal studies regarding to this period of history.

Preferably, the book should be very big and very in depth. If possible, since military history is a big hobby for me, I want some recommendations(if possible) on books regarding the military of this period.

Also, I want to find out about your comments regarding this period of history, which I consider very interesting.

[Reenk Roink]

Coincidentally enough, I love the Hellenistic age myself...

The early era of the Diadochoi is very interesting for me, and their are plenty of colorful personalities; Antigonos I, Lysimachos, and of course Pyrrhos. Then you find yourself with the three main kingdoms, and the many minor ones. The rise of Rome is also intertwined with the breakdown of the Hellenistic kingdoms. Plus, although it is thought as a period of decline, there was still rich cultural activity.

Anyway, the standard text for this time period is Alexander to Actium: The Historical Evolution of the Hellenistic Age by Peter Green. This is the standard canon, though it may be a bit difficult. It also deals heavily with philosophy, science, literature, poetry, and art, although Green has a somewhat negative attitude towards all of this in the Hellenistic period. You certainly may find yourself in disagreement with the author at times.

Still, because of its comprehensive scope on this complex period, the book is the standard. It's not a book you will read to enjoy (970 pages!), but Green has a sense of humor, though his sarcasm can get a bit caustic when he criticizes something.

Essentially, a serious student will want this book. Work down from here...

Hope this helped.

[De' Medici]

I read a book regarding the kings of Sparta, Killings in Sparta (Omoruri in Sparta), by Kostas Assimakopoulos, about two of the most known rulers of this city, Agis IV and Kleomenes III. Since you are from Romania, I think that you will be able to fiind this book in the old book-shops if you are interested. The year of publication is 1983, at the Univers Publishing House.

[nokhor]

"the marshals of alexander's empire" by waldemar heckel. it is basically a collection of biographies of the major generals and courtiers surrounding alexander including the diadochi.

[Marshal Murat]

Gaaaaaaahhhhhh, that's nearly $155 at Amazon! (don't know pounds)
There are lots of Alexander books circulating after the movie flop (Irish-Greek, what the Hades?)
Personally, I like to wonder about Parmenion, if his son was more tight-lipped, and he survived India, and Alexander's death. Would he have united the Diodachi?

[edyzmedieval]

Parmenion's son isn't Filotas?

Anyhow, Alexander to Actium looks very comprehensive, I might buy it.
Anything on military matters?

[Rosacrux redux]

There are some very interesting primary sources about the hellenistic world. If you haven't, you can give a shot at Polubious, Plutarch and Titus Livious.
For a comprehensive modern source, you should consider P. Green's behemoth. It's expensive and exhaustive, but it gives a great overview of the period.
Other works that you could consider are Hans Joachim Gehrke's "history of the hellenistic world, Fr. Wallbank "The hellenistic world", W.Tarn's "Military and naval evolution in the hellenistic era". There are many more, but I haven't got my bibliography at hand.

[The Spartan (Returns)]

me too! except id like a site about Persian Wars and the Hellenistic Civilisation that Edyz was talking about.

[The Wizard]

You could also try The Greek World after Alexander 323 - 30 BC by Graham Shipley.

This book, unlike Alexander to Actium, looks at the Hellenistic world from another angle and examines if it really was a degradation in regards to the Classical Greek age (a sentiment sometimes expressed by Green), or if it was equal to if not greater than what preceded it.

Reading this and Green's work would give you both sides of the argument, from which you can deduce yourself what holds the most truth.

[edyzmedieval]

W.Tarn's "Military and naval evolution in the hellenistic era".

Linky?

[hoom]

Based on this thread I've ordered Alexander to Actium :)
Was pretty much perfect timing really

[edyzmedieval]

Based on this thread I've ordered Alexander to Actium :)
Was pretty much perfect timing really

I'm about to convince my dad to order it.
I'm praying to Alexander the Great so my dad can accept.

[Reenk Roink]

Here's a very good online resource for the period of the Diadochoi. A nice summary of the political events, with plenty of pictures and maps to give one a better understanding:

http://www.livius.org/di-dn/diadochi/diadochi.htm

[edyzmedieval]

Nice link.
I just finished Valerio Massimo Manfredi' trilogy on Alexander the Great. The last book nearly got me to tears. ~

[Patriarch of Constantinople]

I thought hellenestic age was DURING alexanders reign. where the people he conquered adopted greek ways.

[edyzmedieval]

It STARTS with Alexander only, but it finishes when the Romans conquer everything.

[Kralizec]

Alexander had a dream of cross-cultural change, but none of his successors did or at least none gave the idea much practical application. Hellenic culture didn't rub off to the Egyptians, Persians or Syrians to a significant degree (though there were some influences, wich should not be underestimated)

We speak of a Hellenic age because Alexander made lots of changes possible: adoption of a standard hellenic tongue (Koine Hellenic, based mostly on the Attic dialect), Greek dominance over the entire eastern mediteranean, flourishing trade and increased contact with (but not willing adoption of) eastern customs, scale enlargment in virtually every economic area, major geopolitical changes etc. Wether we take Alexander himself or his death as a line between previous and after is a minor point, and not really accurate anyhow.

[Atilius]

There are some very interesting primary sources about the hellenistic world. If you haven't, you can give a shot at Polubious, Plutarch and Titus Livious.

I'd add the books 17-20 of Diodorus Siculus' Library of History. Book 17 treats Alexander, books 18-20 cover the successors to about 300 BC.

Most of the classical primary sources can be read or searched at Perseus. Unfortunately, Perseus doesn't have books 18-20 of Diodorus.