Final answer:
Greek and Macedonian rule persisted after Alexander the Great’s death because of the effective governance system adopted from the Persians, the disunity among Persian nobles, and the cultural dominance and military strategies of the Hellenistic monarchies established by Alexander's generals.
Step-by-step explanation:
After Alexander the Great's conquest and death, the vast territories of the former Persian Empire largely remained under the control of Greek and Macedonian rulers due to a combination of factors. First, Alexander adopted the effective Persian system of governance, incorporating local traditions and bureaucracy, which helped stabilize his rule. Additionally, divisions among the Persian nobles, who murdered their king Darius III, weakened any unified internal resistance. When Alexander died, his generals, who became known as the Diadochi, fought among themselves for control, ultimately establishing three major kingdoms and continuing Greek influence in the region.
Alexander's approach to conquest, which involved honoring those who surrendered and integrating them into his administration, led to a less disruptive transition of power. Hellenistic Monarchies, established by Alexander's generals, maintained Greek cultural dominance by forming a new elite class, underlining the Greek hegemony. Moreover, the appeal of Greek culture and the economic growth fueled by Alexander's campaigns contributed to the stabilization of Greek rule in these territories, making it more difficult for local rulers to reclaim power.
The continued stratification between Greeks and non-Greek populations, however, created underlying tensions, leading to prophecies and predictions of Greek downfall among the suppressed populations. Nonetheless, during the Hellenistic Era, the Greek rulers managed to maintain authority over the vast empire, despite eventual losses and challenges from emerging powers like Rome.