Why were the three kingdoms Hellenistic?

Answer 1

Hellenism/Hellenic was their word for Greek. The kingdoms which arose from Alexander's empire after his death were called Hellenistic as they were based on Greek civilisation. However this was superficial as most of the peoples in the ex-Persian territories retained their old ways - only the upper classes adopted Greek culture. So the word Hellenistic is used instead of Hellenic to indicate the partial culture 'like Hellenic'.

Answer 2

Alexander tried to establish Greek customs and culture into the empire he took over from Persia. His early death ended this, but his successors divided his empire amongst themselves, setting up kingdoms.

These kingdoms had a veneer of Greek culture practiced by the ruling Macedonians and Greeks, but this was superficial - the ordinary people retained their own lifestyle. So the kingdoms we call Hellenistic - 'like Hellenic' rather than true Hellenic (Greek).

Answer 3

Hellenistic means 'like Hellenic'. They adopted Hellenic culture. After much in-fighting, Alexander's empire subsided into the hellenistic kingdoms of Egypt, Syria, Macedonia and Pergamon.