Final answer:
Alexander the Great brought both change and continuity in the Mediterranean with the establishment of Greek culture and governance throughout his empire. His successors maintained Greek cultural institutions and political control, despite his empire's division among his generals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the leadership of Alexander the Great, there was both change and continuity in the Mediterranean region's government and culture. After conquering Egypt in 332 BC, Alexander established a hybrid Greco-Egyptian culture with the founding of Alexandria, indicating a significant cultural change.
When Alexander died in 323 BC, his general Ptolemy took control, becoming king and initiating the Ptolemaic Dynasty that echoed ancient Egyptian traditions, showing continuity in governance. The spread of Greek culture was evident as Alexander and his successors established Greek cities across the former Persian Empire, such as Ai Khanum in Afghanistan, which included Greek-style institutions like gymnasia and theaters.
The Hellenistic period saw extensive spread of Greek ideas, influence, and culture throughout the territories conquered by Alexander and maintained by his successors. The period was marked by a blending of cultures, particularly Greek customs and local traditions of the vast regions Alexander had brought under his influence. These Greek cities became centers of Greek science, literature, and philosophy, most notably Alexandria in Egypt with its historic library and educational institutions.
However, after Alexander's generals and their descendants divided up his empire, they continued to rule over these Greek and Macedonian colonies. This continuity of Greek governance was likely because the powerful and established Macedonian elite managed to maintain control amidst contested regions.