Final answer:
The bureaucracies of the Hellenistic kingdoms were primarily staffed by the indigenous population, with government positions often filled based on a combination of merit, nepotism, and bribery, while maintaining Greek as the language of the ruling elite.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bureaucracies of the Hellenistic kingdoms were often staffed by the natives of the areas they controlled. While the rulers were Greek and Macedonian, the official language remained Greek, and there was an attempt to sustain Greek culture through institutions such as temples and theatres, the governmental positions, especially at lower levels, were frequently filled by the indigenous population. This bureaucratic system was inherited from the Persian governance structure and was crucial in maintaining the vast territories of the Hellenistic empires.
Moreover, the recruitment process in the Hellenistic bureaucracy reflected a mixture of nepotism, bribery, and meritocracy. Provincial elites would send their sons to capitals such as Alexandria for education and to gain positions within the government. Despite the apparent flaws in the system, the bureaucracy retained a level of coherence and functionality.
In summary, the bureaucratic recruitment during the Hellenistic period prominently involved natives in administrative roles, with Greek remaining as the language of the elites, preserving the blend of cultural identities within the empire.