The adoption of the Attic standard by Alexander the Great had a substantial influence on various regions, facilitating economic integration and the spread of Greek culture. Here are some key aspects of its impact:
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Economic Integration:
- Widespread Standardization: Alexander's adoption of the Attic standard for his coinage helped standardize the currency across his vast empire, from Greece to Egypt to Persia (source). This made transactions smoother and reduced the complexities associated with multiple currency standards.
- Facilitation of Trade: The standardized currency aided in the facilitation of trade within the newly conquered regions and beyond, as merchants and traders found it easier to conduct business with a commonly recognized currency (source).
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Cultural Influence:
- Greek Influence on Local Regions: Besides the economic effects, the standardized coinage also helped in spreading Greek culture and influence. The imagery and mythology depicted on the coins introduced Greek artistic styles and iconography to various parts of the empire (source).
- Cultural Hybridity: Many local regions, influenced by the Greek presence, began to blend Greek and native elements in their cultures. This cultural hybridity is seen in art, architecture, and daily life, thus creating a syncretic Hellenistic culture (source).
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Long-Term Effects:
- Hellenistic Kingdoms: After Alexander's death, the standardized Attic coinage continued to be used by many of his successors, such as the Seleucids and the Ptolemies, although some moved to local standards over time, like the Phoenician standard in Egypt (source).
- Legacy in East and West: The continuation of using Attic-standard influenced coinage long after Alexander's reign indicates its significant and long-lasting impact on both Eastern and Western economies.
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