The Hellenistic world refers to the period following the conquests of Alexander the Great from the late 4th century BCE to the 1st century BCE. This era is characterized by the spread of Greek culture across a vast region, including parts of Egypt, Persia, and India. The blending of Greek and local cultures led to advancements in art, science, and philosophy. During the Hellenistic period, major cities like Alexandria in Egypt became cultural and intellectual hubs. The era saw the rise of influential thinkers such as Euclid in mathematics and Archimedes in engineering. The Hellenistic world laid the groundwork for the later development of the Roman Empire.