Page 34 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies - Textbook w videos short

Beth She’an

As Alexander marched across his world, he spread elements of the Greek culture. This included the
Greek language, the Greek system of representative government, Greek-styled athletic competition and
theatrical productions, the distinctive Greek architecture, Greek philosophy and Greek religious beliefs.

It is difficult to overstate how important this spread of “Hellenism” was. For the first time since the
Tower of Babel, the world’s people were united in several ways. From Athens to the Euphrates, people
had a common language. They shared common ideas, a common commerce and were invited to enjoy
Greek theater and athletic competition.

However, the Greeks also introduced dozens of their “gods” to these cultures. This caused an enormous
tension in Jewish Israel. The Greeks never forced a conversion to Hellenism, but their Greek city-states
were sprinkled throughout the empire. As people sampled Greek life, Hellenism became more and more
popular. People were “enlightened” by the new thoughts.

A Roman aqueduct at Caesarea by the Mediterranean Sea

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