The term Hellenism refers to classical Greek culture of the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. or to the ideals of later movements and individuals inspired by it. The classical Hellenic period ended with the conquests of Alexander the Great (336-323 B.C.). In the 19th century, however, under the influence of German scholarship, the meaning of Hellenism was broadened to denote the culture developed by those who came under Greek influence after Alexander's campaigns—the Mediterranean peoples who were later absorbed into the Eastern Roman Empire.