Hellenistic Astrology
Exploring the Mystical and Mythological Roots of Ancient Astrology
The term "Hellenistic" comes from the word "Hellenism," which refers to Greek culture, language, and customs. The Hellenistic period is a term used to describe the historical era that followed the expansion of the empire of Alexander the Great, who was a Greek Macedonian military leader. During his reign, Alexander conquered vast territories that extended from Greece to Egypt and Persia, and his cultural influence spread throughout these regions.
Hellenistic astrology developed in the context of Hellenistic culture and takes its name from this era due to the strong Greek influence on its development. As Alexander's empire expanded, Greek culture blended with the cultures of the conquered regions, leading to the creation of a hybrid culture known as Hellenism.
Hellenistic astrology is a form of astrology that developed between the period of Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) to the end of the Western Roman Empire (476 AD). Hellenistic astrology incorporated elements from Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Persian astrological traditions, in addition to its Greek roots, making it an integral part of Hellenistic culture. Therefore, the term "Hellenistic" is used to describe this period in the history of astrology, characterized by its fusion of cultural influences and its emphasis on astrology based on the twelve zodiac signs.