The Hellenistic Period in the region refers to the era following the conquests of Alexander the Great and the establishment of Hellenistic kingdoms in the eastern Mediterranean. This period began in 332 BCE with Alexander's conquest of the Persian Empire and continued until the Roman conquest in 63 BCE. The Hellenistic Period brought significant cultural, political, and social changes to the region, impacting the land of Canaan, which includes modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Syria. Here are key aspects of the Hellenistic Period in the land:

1. Alexander the Great's Conquest:
    - In 332 BCE, Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire, including the Levant.
    - Alexander's armies swept through the region, leading to the surrender of many cities without significant resistance.
2. Cultural Synthesis:
    - The Hellenistic Period saw a blending of Greek and local cultures, resulting in a syncretic Hellenistic culture.
    - Greek language, customs, and institutions became influential, coexisting with local traditions.
3. Hellenistic Urban Centers:
    - Hellenistic cities, often designed with a grid layout and featuring Greek-style architecture, were established in the land.
    - Cities such as Jerusalem, Tyre, Sidon and Gaza experienced changes under Hellenistic rule, incorporating Greek cultural elements.
4. Hellenistic Kingdoms:
    - After Alexander's death in 323 BCE, his empire was divided among his generals, resulting in the establishment of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Kingdoms in the land.
    - The Ptolemies controlled Egypt and the southern part of the land, while the Seleucids controlled the northern part.
5. Ptolemaic and Seleucid Rule:
    - The Ptolemies and Seleucids engaged in struggles for control over the land, leading to shifts in territorial boundaries.
    - The city of Jerusalem changed hands between the Ptolemies and Seleucids multiple times.
6. Revolt of the Maccabees:
    - The Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV attempted to impose Hellenistic practices on the Jewish population, leading to the Maccabean Revolt.
    - The Hasmonean dynasty, led by the Maccabees, achieved independence for Judea in the mid-2nd century BCE which lasted from 140 BCE to 63 BCE. The Hasmonean rulers sought to preserve Jewish traditions while navigating the influence of Hellenistic culture.
8. Roman Intervention:
    - In 63 BCE, the Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem, bringing the land under Roman influence and marking the end of the Hellenistic Period in the region.

 

There is no historical evidence to suggest that the Hellenistic period involved mass expulsions or exile of the local population from the land of Canaan. People generally continued to live in the region, adapting to the cultural changes brought about by Hellenistic influence.

 

​