3rd century BC facts for kids
| Millennium: | 1st millennium BC |
|---|---|
| Centuries: | 5th century BC · 4th century BC · 3rd century BC |
| Decades: | 390s BC 380s BC 370s BC 360s BC 350s BC 340s BC 330s BC 320s BC 310s BC 300s BC |
| Categories: | Births – Deaths Establishments – Disestablishments |
The 3rd century BC was a very important time in history. It started on the first day of 300 BC and ended on the last day of 201 BC. During this century, many powerful empires grew and changed the world. New ideas in science, math, and philosophy also became popular.
Contents
Major Empires and Kingdoms
This century saw the rise and fall of several powerful empires across the world.
The Hellenistic World
After the death of Alexander the Great, his huge empire was split into several kingdoms. These were called the Hellenistic kingdoms. They were ruled by Alexander's generals, known as the Diadochi.
Ptolemaic Egypt
One of the most famous Hellenistic kingdoms was Ptolemaic Egypt. It was ruled by the Ptolemy family. They built the famous Library of Alexandria, which was a huge center for learning.
The Seleucid Empire
Another large kingdom was the Seleucid Empire, founded by Seleucus I. This empire stretched across much of Asia. It included lands from modern-day Turkey to India.
Macedon and Greece
In Europe, kingdoms like Macedon and Epirus were very active. Leaders like Pyrrhus of Epirus fought many wars. He even fought against the rising power of Rome.
The Mauryan Empire in India
In ancient India, the Maurya Empire grew to be very powerful. Its most famous ruler was Ashoka the Great. Ashoka united much of India and helped spread Buddhism.
Ancient China
China also saw big changes during this time. The Qin Dynasty united China for the first time. The first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, built parts of the Great Wall of China. He also created the amazing Terracotta Army to guard his tomb.
Major Conflicts and Wars
The 3rd century BC was a time of many important wars. These wars shaped the future of many regions.
The Punic Wars
One of the most famous conflicts was the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage. These were huge wars for control of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Second Punic War
The Second Punic War was especially famous. The Carthaginian general Hannibal led his army, including war elephants, across the Alps to attack Rome. This was a very daring move.
Rome eventually won these wars, thanks to generals like Scipio Africanus. This made Rome the most powerful force in the Mediterranean.
Important Thinkers and Ideas
This century was also a time of great thinking and new ideas.
Philosophy
Many new ideas in philosophy developed. Zeno of Citium founded Stoicism, a philosophy that taught people to live with wisdom and self-control.
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Literature and Arts
In literature, Menander was a famous Greek playwright. He wrote comedies that showed everyday life.
Images for kids
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Map of the world in 300 BC, the beginning of the third century BC.
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Map of the Hellenistic world and Maurya Empire in 281 BC.
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Map of the world in 200 BC, the end of the third century BC.
See also
In Spanish: Siglo III a. C. para niños
