Epicureanism is a system of belief based on individual pleasure. Epicurus, 341- 270 BCE, believed that the gods did not play a major role in the lives of humans. Instead he espoused the belief that individuals should be motivated towards self-satisfaction and the pursuit of personal rewards. Epicureanism is not …

A form of Athenian theatrical expression with the primary intention of entertaining and amusing the audience. Previous theatrical work was notable for its focus on political themes and tragedy. The New Comedy departed from these themes to focus primarily on entertainment.

The epic written by Apollonius of Rhodes that tells the story of Jason and his search for the Golden Fleece. The Argonautica broke with the traditional form of short poetry as it was a long epic. Argonautica is not noted for its story telling, rather it is considered notable for …

The post-Alexandrian dynasty established by King Ptolemy of Egypt. Ptolemy was a Macedonian general who was named governor of Egypt after the death of Alexander. Ptolemy became king in 305 BCE and established the Ptolemaic dynasty of pharaohs. The Ptolemaic dynasty lasted longer than any other Hellenistic monarchy until, in …

Another of the spin-off dynasties resulting from the dismantling of Alexander's empire. General Seleucus established the Seleucid dynasty in Syria. The Seleucid dynasty was the largest of the Hellenistic dynasties, and occupied most of the territory formerly controlled by the Persian empire, however, the size of this monarchy eventually lead …

After a long period of internal power struggles the empire built by Alexander was dismantled. In 276 BCE a grandson of one of Alexander's generals, Antigonus~Gonatus, established a new dynasty in Macedonia known as the Antigonid Dynasty. The Antigonid Dynasty is marked by it's tenuous relations with the Greeks …