Final answer:
The Hellenistic kingdoms had strengths such as rewarding their inner circles and expanding trade routes, but weaknesses like the continued stratification between Greeks and non-Greeks led to rebellion. The kingdoms' inherent instability stemmed from conflicts, rivalry, and lack of succession after the death of Alexander the Great.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strengths and Weaknesses of Hellenistic Kingdoms as Political Entities:
One of the strengths of the Hellenistic kingdoms was their ability to reward their inner circles and expand trade routes. They also had large armies consisting of descendants of Greek settlers. However, a major weakness was the continued stratification between Greeks and non-Greek subjects, which led to resentment and rebellion. The Hellenistic kingdoms also frequently warred with each other, which contributed to their instability.
Inherent Instability:
The Hellenistic kingdoms proved to be inherently unstable due to various factors. The ongoing conflict and rivalry between the kingdoms, particularly the Ptolemies and Seleucids, led to constant warfare and territorial disputes. Additionally, the Greeks' sense of superiority over their non-Greek subjects caused resentment and rebellion. The lack of a clear succession plan after the death of Alexander the Great further exacerbated the instability, as his generals fought for control and divided the empire into separate kingdoms.