Hellenism refers to the cultural and intellectual legacy of ancient Greece, especially during the Hellenistic period, which lasted from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC to the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony by Augustus in 31 BC. Hellenistic culture was characterized by a fusion of Greek, Egyptian, and Near Eastern elements, and was spread throughout the Mediterranean world by the expansion of the Greek-speaking empires. The Hellenistic period was marked by an increase in trade, the development of new cities, and the flourishing of the arts, philosophy, and science. Notable figures of the era include Euclid, Archimedes, and the philosopher Epicurus. The Hellenistic period also saw the spread of Greek language and culture to the wider world, particularly the creation of the Greek-speaking communities in the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Hellenism has had a lasting impact on Western civilization, influencing the development of philosophy, mathematics, and the sciences, and has left a rich cultural legacy that continues to inspire people to this day