What significant event marks the end of the Hellenistic period?

The end of the Hellenistic period is marked by the political control of Rome, which fundamentally transformed the cultural and political landscape of the Mediterranean region. After the death of Alexander the Great, the Hellenistic world experienced a flourishing of arts, science, and philosophy, and the establishment of several kingdoms such as the Seleucid Empire and the Ptolemaic Kingdom. However, as Rome expanded its influence and ultimately conquered these territories, the distinct Hellenistic culture began to merge into the Roman cultural sphere.

This transition represented not just a change in political leadership but also the end of the era characterized by the spread of Greek culture and influence. The dissolution of the Hellenistic kingdoms and their absorption into the Roman Empire marked a significant shift in cultural identity, governance, and societal structure that effectively sealed the end of the Hellenistic period.

In contrast, the rise of Alexander's empire signifies the beginning of the Hellenistic period, the construction of the Parthenon represents a key architectural achievement during the Classical period of Greece, and the spread of Christianity occurred in a different historical context, primarily gaining prominence after the Hellenistic period had ended.