What is Hellenism?
Hellenism is the term used to describe the influence of Greek culture on the peoples the Greek and Roman Empires conquered or interacted with. After the Jews' return from being exiled in Babylon, they tried to protect themselves by following the law very closely. This led to the rise of the conservative Pharisees and their unnecessary laws. About a hundred years after the Jews returned, Alexander the Great went across western Asia, extending his territory from Greece, down into Egypt, and east to the border of India.
Alexander
The King of Macedonia and conqueror of the Persian Empire is considered one of the greatest military geniuses of all times. He was inspiration for later conquerors such as Hannibal the Carthaginian, the Romans Pompey and Caesar, and Napoleon. Alexander was born in 356 BC in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia. He was son of Philip II, King of Macedonia, and Olympias, the princess of neighboring Epirus.