The Hellenistic kingdoms emerged after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE, when his vast empire was divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi. These kingdoms included notable regions such as Ptolemaic Egypt, Seleucid Empire, and Antigonid Macedonia, each ruled by different successors who adopted Greek culture and governance. During the Hellenistic period, which lasted until the Roman conquest in the 1st century BCE, these kingdoms became centers of trade, culture, and learning. Cities like Alexandria in Egypt flourished, promoting advancements in science, philosophy, and the arts, blending Greek traditions with local customs.