The Hellenistic Culture

Before the Hellenistic world could make an impact on the world around it, first it became part of the culture, the language, integrate into the cities and religions, and then part of the Empires. Despite some resistance, the Hellenism world took high appeals to the people. The Hellenistic culture was one that was developed from the small, individual city-states and then grew greatly through the entire Mediterranean and then even further. (207) The culture itself was based on “philosophical and political thinking” as well as disciplines from history and biology, entertainment, competitive games for the public, and multiple forms of art. (207) Since the culture had so many interties with in it, which no other culture did, the Hellenistic culture
In the previous city-state world individuals would would identify with local cultures and beliefs. Once the Hellenistic movement was celebrated, people wanted to connect to not only a local culture but a common world culture in which all individuals belong to one world instead of one city or state. Since kingdoms and states had become so huge, people now related to one another on political style through the personalities of their king, ruler, or families. (208) Everything was based off personality and style. (208) The rules began to dress in expensive clothing, platform shoes, heavy makeup, and capes with images. (208-209) Since rulers began to set their presence as powerful, ordinary people began to feel inferior and belittle. With this feeling, Hellenistic religion and philosophy began to come into play to help individuals focus on his/her place in the larger world.
The Jews in Judea, between Egypt and the state of Mesopotamia, did not encourage or consider the culture of Hellenism. Despite the resistance, the rebuilding of Jerusalem began and the society gained rule under another empire resulting in the introduction to a new openness and culture of the Mediterranean world. (211) In addition to the Jews not accepting the new change, the Romans also saw the Greek’s culture to be unappealing, but inevitably they saw the opportunities to increase their value and acceptance.