Hellenistic Greek refers to the form of the Greek language that was spoken and written during the Hellenistic period, which lasted from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE to the rise of the Roman Empire around 30 BCE. This dialect evolved from Classical Greek and became the lingua franca of the eastern Mediterranean and parts of Asia, facilitating communication across diverse cultures. The Hellenistic period saw significant cultural exchange, leading to the spread of Greek philosophy, literature, and art. Hellenistic Greek is characterized by its simplified grammar and vocabulary, making it more accessible to non-native speakers and contributing to the development of Koine Greek, the common dialect that followed.