Hellenistische Geschiedenis

Abstract

This article offers a brief historiographic overview of the changing approaches to Hellenistic history and culture from Droysen to the present, and the use and abuse of the term "hellenism". The author criticizes both of the two schools that at present dominate the debate: the traditional approach that views Hellenistic history as essentially Greek history and favours the romantic view that in this period the polis declined; and the new approach that emphasizes the continuity of both polis-culture and Near Eastern traditions, but tends to minimalize Greek influence in the East.