One common characteristic of the Hellenistic period was the blending and diffusion of Greek culture with that of other societies in the Mediterranean and Near East. This period saw the expansion of Greek influence and the spread of Greek language, art, architecture, and philosophy to new regions conquered by Alexander the Great and his successors. Hellenistic art, for example, often combined Greek styles with elements from Egyptian, Persian, and Indian cultures. Additionally, the Hellenistic period was characterized by the rise of powerful kingdoms and city-states, as well as the flourishing of trade and commerce, advancements in science and technology, and the emergence of new philosophical schools.
