How is cultural syncretism in the Hellenistic Age ?
Most of the cultural syncretism in the Hellenistic Age occurred in cities of which Alexander had little to no involvement. After Alexander’s died in 323 B.C., the inhabitants abandoned most of his new foundations for their homeland or another city. The fact that the majority of cities founded by Alexander dissolved shortly after his death is evidence that Alexander devoted little time and resources towards city building and development. In order to keep a culturally diverse Empire together, it would have been crucial to implement a cohesive economic plan. Alexander adopted the Attic standard of coinage and distributed it throughout the Empire. Alexander’s adoption of Athenian coinage occurred right after the assassination of his father Philip. Tarn points out the distinct possibility that Phillip may be credited with this coinage decision. Alexander appointed financial supervisors throughout the Empire, with a corrupt man named Harpalus as the chief superintendent of financial matters.
