The Hellenistic period lasted for about 300 years, from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE to the death of Cleopatra VII of Egypt, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, in 30 BCE. During this time, Greek influence spread throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Greek culture, language, and philosophy were adopted by many of the people in this area. The Hellenistic period also saw the development of new forms of art and literature.