Hellenistic poetry

Hellenistic poetry refers to the literary works produced in the Greek world from the death of Alexander the Great (323 BCE) to the rise of Roman dominance. This era is marked by a shift from the grand themes of earlier Greek poetry to more personal, introspective, and often whimsical subjects. Poets like Callimachus and Theocritus emphasized elegance, emotional depth, and the exploration of everyday life. They often drew inspiration from mythology and nature, using sophisticated language and intricate forms to convey their ideas. This period influenced later Western literature, laying foundational elements for lyric and pastoral poetry.