2.1 Major Hellenistic artistic centers: Alexandria, Pergamon, and Antioch

The Hellenistic period saw Greek culture spread across the Mediterranean and Near East, with new artistic centers emerging in Alexandria, Pergamon, and Antioch. These cities became hubs of learning, innovation, and cultural fusion, blending Greek traditions with local influences.

Each city developed its own unique character. Alexandria was known for its massive library and lighthouse, Pergamon for its dramatic sculptures and architecture, and Antioch for its stunning mosaics. These artistic centers shaped the development of Hellenistic art and culture.

Major Hellenistic Cities

Alexandria: Center of Learning and Culture

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• Alexandria established as capital of Ptolemaic Egypt in 331 BCE by Alexander the Great
• Developed into largest city in the ancient world with population reaching 500,000
• Home to famous Library of Alexandria housing over 500,000 papyrus scrolls
• Renowned for Lighthouse of Alexandria standing over 100 meters tall
• Multicultural metropolis blending Greek, Egyptian, and other cultures
• Thriving port city facilitating trade throughout Mediterranean

Pergamon: Artistic and Architectural Marvel

• Capital of Attalid Kingdom located in modern-day Turkey
• Acropolis built on steep hill showcasing impressive architectural feats
• Famous for Great Altar of Zeus featuring intricate Gigantomachy frieze
• Home to second-largest library in Hellenistic world after Alexandria
• Center of scientific research and medical advancements (Galen)
• Pergamene sculptors known for dramatic, emotional style (Dying Gaul)

Antioch: Cosmopolitan Hub of the East

• Founded by Seleucus I Nicator in 300 BCE along Orontes River
• Third-largest city in Roman Empire by 1st century CE
• Important center for early spread of Christianity (Paul's missionary journeys)
• Renowned for elaborate mosaic floors in wealthy homes and public buildings
• Multicultural population including Greeks, Syrians, Jews, and Romans
• Strategic location connecting trade routes between East and West

Hellenistic Urban Planning and Architecture

• Grid-plan layout popularized by Hippodamus of Miletus
• Wide, colonnaded streets (Antioch's mile-long Colonnaded Street)
• Monumental public buildings (theaters, gymnasiums, stoas)
• Advanced water management systems (aqueducts, cisterns)
• Fortification walls protecting expanding urban areas
• Integration of natural landscapes into city design (Pergamon's terraced acropolis)

Hellenistic Dynasties

Ptolemaic Dynasty: Rulers of Egypt

• Founded by Ptolemy I Soter, former general of Alexander the Great
• Ruled Egypt from 305-30 BCE
• Promoted fusion of Greek and Egyptian cultures (Serapis cult)
• Patronized arts and sciences, establishing Library of Alexandria
• Cleopatra VII, last Ptolemaic ruler, allied with Rome (Julius Caesar, Mark Antony)
• Known for sibling marriages to preserve dynastic bloodline
• Engaged in conflicts with Seleucid Empire over control of Coele-Syria

Attalid Dynasty: Kings of Pergamon

• Founded by Philetaerus, former governor under Lysimachus
• Ruled Pergamon from 281-133 BCE
• Expanded kingdom through military campaigns and diplomacy
• Allies of Rome against Macedon and Seleucid Empire
• Attalus I first to take royal title after defeating Galatians
• Eumenes II greatly expanded kingdom after Treaty of Apamea (188 BCE)
• Attalus III bequeathed kingdom to Rome upon his death in 133 BCE

Seleucid Dynasty: Vast Eastern Empire

• Established by Seleucus I Nicator, another of Alexander's generals
• Controlled vast territory from Anatolia to India at its height
• Ruled from 312-63 BCE, gradually losing territory to Rome and Parthia
• Founded numerous cities including Antioch and Seleucia on the Tigris
• Promoted Hellenization of native populations in diverse empire
• Engaged in conflicts with Ptolemaic Egypt over Coele-Syria (Syrian Wars)
• Antiochus III "the Great" temporarily restored empire to former glory

Hellenistic Monuments and Art

Alexandria's Architectural Marvels

• Library of Alexandria housed over 500,000 scrolls in multiple buildings
• Organized by subject with cataloging system developed by Callimachus
• Attracted scholars from across Mediterranean (Euclid, Herophilus)
• Lighthouse of Alexandria stood over 100 meters tall on island of Pharos
• Considered one of Seven Wonders of Ancient World
• Used mirror system to reflect sunlight for daytime navigation
• Fire at top guided ships at night, visible up to 50 kilometers away

Pergamon's Monumental Structures

• Great Altar of Pergamon dedicated to Zeus and Athena
• Massive structure measuring 35.64 x 33.4 meters with staircase on western side
• Famous for 113-meter long Gigantomachy frieze depicting battle between gods and giants
• Pergamon Sculpture School known for dramatic, emotional style
• Produced famous works like Dying Gaul and Ludovisi Gaul
• Influenced development of Hellenistic Baroque style in sculpture

Antioch's Artistic Legacy

• Renowned for elaborate mosaic floors in wealthy homes and public buildings
• Distinctive style combining Hellenistic and Roman influences
• Famous examples include Judgment of Paris and Buffet Supper mosaics
• Depicted mythological scenes, daily life, and geometric patterns
• Used small, precisely cut stone tesserae for intricate details
• Influenced development of Byzantine mosaic tradition