ned and from which it derived its name: the Garden. Epicurus remained a hedonist in the sense that he believed pleasure to be the good, but he thought that only pleasures which did not later produce pain should be sought. Excesses and disturbing affairs, like politics, were thus to be avoided. Even the gods were thought to live this kind of existence, paying no special attention to us. Epicurus derived his metaphysical doctrines from Democritus. The teaching of "atoms and the void" gave him less to worry about than other doctrines did. This was never as popular as Stoicism.Summary Comparison Guide of Hellenic and Hellenistic SocietiesFeaturesHellenic WorldHellenistic WorldGovernmentSmall, self-governing city-statesEmpires ruled by monarchs, kings. Cities ruled by wealthy classEducationPrivate tutors for well-to-do. Physical training at gymEducation and physical training at gymnasiumLanguageClassical GreekGreek (kione), AramaicCommerceLimited commercial activityextensive trade on sea and landStatus of womenrestricted roles, domestic chieflymarriage contracts, own slaves and property, act as regentsSlaveryWidespread useWidespread useLiteratureGolden age drama, poetryGreek influence with local culturePhilosophyEmphasis on logic ethics, reason(Socrates, Plato, Aristotle)Non-rational, Oriental mysticism 1. Stoic 2. Epicurean 3. CynicScienceAcceptance of experimental method but more attention to philosophyAdvances in astronomy, mathematics, and medicineReligionOlympian gods of GreeceAdapted Olympian gods for Rome, local religionsThe power and leadership of the Greco-Macedonian ruling groups would gradually be undermined by the diffusion of knowledge and professional expertise to non-Greeks. The fact that the Greeks were a minority, meant that eventually, the larger numbers of people of Asiatic or near-Eastern background would increase their influence. Thus, in a very gradual manner, without distinct historical events to mark the way, the uniq...
