Great detail on how exactly art is influenced by different cultures, in this case, Hellenistic influence on Middle Eastern art and style. I often hear that conquering cultures bring their cultures with them, which in turn influences the lands that were taken, but I hadn't really seen specific examples of how exactly this plays out. This post fills that gap in my knowledge, and then some!

I guess his influence is very telling when the similar style of art is found, as you say, from Persia to India to even Siberia! This wouldn't have developed on its own as each culture had its own distinct culture before, but with the dominating Greeks coming in, their style would influence all cultures they came across... I guess they really liked portraying Heracles in statues or coins or art! Especially without clothing!

Seems like even the dishes they used to eat from can also be used as evidence of the spread of Greek culture and style, the example you give of the dish from Tibet is beautiful yet surprising, I hadn't realized that Greek dominion had penetrated that far. And also your example of the Persian dishes having typically Greek patterns, where I imagine they didn't have them before, are also of interest - Darius the Great must have been rolling in his grave! Looks like only 200 years separated Alexander and Darius unless I'm mistaken...

This is the kind of substance that would be awesome to see in museums; maybe they already showcase this kind of thing, unless say Iran/modern day Persia isn't too keen on illustrating this part of their history haha...