Revisiting the “Hellenistic” Period
by Yousuf Chughtai
Abstract: A discussion of the representation of Alexander the Great’s empire and the Hellenistic period in Western scholarship, and ways in which modern multifaceted identities can help shed new light on processes of cultural exchange.
“There is much to be gained from revisiting [the Hellenistic] period and reanalyzing our own stagnant and binary concepts of identity, rooted in the convenience of organizing populations for the sake of financial and economic gain and characterized by the existence of dull passports and taxing visa regimes. The truth is that many reading this article will—like the descendants of the residents of Alexander’s new cities—be able to relate to the concept of complex and multifaceted identities, based on varying interpretations of race, ethnicity, language, religion and culture.”
Blog post, Eidolon, May 21st, 2018.
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