Economic Activity In The Hellenistic Era
Alexander’s conquests were immense in that he carved out an enormous empire stretching from Greece to modern day Pakistan and Afghanistan and conquered several empires. Despite this expansion, perhaps the greatest consequence of Alexander’s conquest was economic. After Alexander’s death, the pattern of economic activity in the Hellenistic era changed in the following ways:
1. A trading network was created throughout the East and West.
2. Vast sums of money obtained by Alexander began to be used, which improved the level of economic activity in the Hellenistic era.
3. The concept of coining money began, with gold and silver being mined for the coining. Thus, the mining industry increased.
4. The prospect of profit in the East enticed the Greeks, …show more content…
Consequently, the upper and middle classes lived in comfort and luxury, while the rural peasants and farmers were poor. These rural Hellenistic farmers were forced into more of a peasant, slave-type, status on larger plantations that were not as efficient. The farmers no longer owned and worked small plots of land. This situation was not as noticeable in profitable times, but during times of hardship much strife was created. This situation helped lead to an economic crisis in which the kings pressured the middle classes and especially the peasants. In turn, the peasants slowed their amount of production and efficiency. In some cases, there were even strikes. The economic pressure created conflicts between the rich and poor, calls for debt elimination, pleas for the redistribution of land, and war.
The conflicts caused Hellenistic empires to become drained, fragile, and unable to protect themselves against enemies. Eventually, Rome expanded and controlled the Hellenistic empires due to this weakness. Alexander’s conquests opened up many opportunities and advancements for the Hellenistic empires. If these empires had been able to control the different citizen classes in some manner, the Hellenistic empires would have probably lasted much
1. A trading network was created throughout the East and West.
2. Vast sums of money obtained by Alexander began to be used, which improved the level of economic activity in the Hellenistic era.
3. The concept of coining money began, with gold and silver being mined for the coining. Thus, the mining industry increased.
4. The prospect of profit in the East enticed the Greeks, …show more content…
Consequently, the upper and middle classes lived in comfort and luxury, while the rural peasants and farmers were poor. These rural Hellenistic farmers were forced into more of a peasant, slave-type, status on larger plantations that were not as efficient. The farmers no longer owned and worked small plots of land. This situation was not as noticeable in profitable times, but during times of hardship much strife was created. This situation helped lead to an economic crisis in which the kings pressured the middle classes and especially the peasants. In turn, the peasants slowed their amount of production and efficiency. In some cases, there were even strikes. The economic pressure created conflicts between the rich and poor, calls for debt elimination, pleas for the redistribution of land, and war.
The conflicts caused Hellenistic empires to become drained, fragile, and unable to protect themselves against enemies. Eventually, Rome expanded and controlled the Hellenistic empires due to this weakness. Alexander’s conquests opened up many opportunities and advancements for the Hellenistic empires. If these empires had been able to control the different citizen classes in some manner, the Hellenistic empires would have probably lasted much