Hellenistic religion: worship of the Greek gods

The Hellenistic religion is a late form of Ancient Greek religion. Under the influence of ancient Greek culture during the Hellenistic period and the Roman Empire (300 BCE to 300 CE) there was much continuity in the Hellenistic religion: people continued to worship the Greek gods and to practice the same rites as in Classical Greece.

Another innovation in the Hellenistic period was the institution of cults dedicated to the rulers of the Hellenistic kingdoms. The first of these was established under Alexander, whose conquests, power, and status had elevated him to a degree that required special recognition. His successors continued his worship to the point where in Egypt under Ptolemy I Soter, we find Alexander being honored as a god. Ptolemy's son Ptolemy II Philadelphus proclaimed his late father a god, and made himself a living god.