A History of Western Society: Printed Page 105

A History of Western Society, Value Edition: Printed Page 101

A History of Western Society, Concise Edition: Printed Page 107

Religion and Philosophy in the Hellenistic World FOCUS QUESTION How did religion and philosophy shape everyday life in the Hellenistic world?

The mixing of peoples in the Hellenistic era influenced religion and philosophy. The Hellenistic kings built temples to the old Olympian gods and promoted rituals and ceremonies like those in earlier Greek cities, but new deities also gained prominence. More people turned to mystery religions, which blended Greek and non-Greek elements. Others turned to practical philosophies that provided advice on how to live a good life.