Two important schools of Hellenistic philosophy, Stoicism and Epicureanism, were mainly associated with the thinkers of which ancient people?

Introduction / Context:
In the centuries after the classical age of Plato and Aristotle, new philosophical movements developed in the Mediterranean world, especially in the period often called the Hellenistic age. Two of the most influential schools that emerged then were Stoicism and Epicureanism. These systems dealt with questions of ethics, happiness, and how to live a good life in a changing world. Identifying which ancient people are most closely linked with these schools helps students understand the cultural background of early Western philosophy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question mentions Stoicism and Epicureanism as two important schools of philosophy.

• It asks with which ancient people these schools were associated.

• The options list Greeks, Iranians, Macedonians, and Parthians.

• We assume the question is about the cultural and intellectual origin of these philosophical traditions, not later political rulers who adopted them.

Concept / Approach:
Both Stoicism and Epicureanism were founded in the Greek world and used the Greek language. Epicurus established his school in Athens, while the founder of Stoicism, Zeno of Citium, taught at the Stoa Poikile, also in Athens. Although the Macedonian conquests under Alexander spread Greek culture over a wide area, the philosophical movements themselves are considered part of the broader Greek intellectual tradition. Therefore, the correct answer should identify the Greeks rather than neighbouring peoples.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Epicurus, the founder of Epicureanism, was a Greek philosopher who opened a school in Athens where he taught about pleasure, tranquillity, and the avoidance of unnecessary pain. Step 2: Remember that Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, delivered lectures in the painted porch in Athens, and his teachings emphasised virtue, reason, and acceptance of fate. Step 3: Note that both schools spread throughout the Hellenistic world and later influenced Roman thinkers, but their origin remained Greek. Step 4: Compare this with the Iranians, Parthians, and Macedonians, who had their own traditions but did not originate these philosophical systems. Step 5: Conclude that the thinkers who created Stoicism and Epicureanism belonged to the Greek cultural sphere, so Greeks is the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard histories of ancient philosophy classify Stoicism and Epicureanism as Hellenistic philosophical schools rooted in Greek culture. They list Greek founders, discuss their use of the Greek language, and describe their activities in Greek cities such as Athens. Later Roman writers adopted and developed these ideas, but they are still grouped under Greek philosophy in educational materials, confirming that Greeks is the appropriate answer for this type of general knowledge question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Iranians developed important religious and philosophical concepts, such as Zoroastrianism, but they did not found Stoicism or Epicureanism.

• Macedonians, although they conquered large areas under Alexander, are not credited with originating these schools, which were shaped in Greek intellectual centres.

• Parthians were a later Iranian power in western Asia and are not known as founders of major Greek philosophical schools.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may see the word Hellenistic and mistakenly think that because the Macedonian empire spread Greek culture, Macedonians must be the answer. Others may simply guess among the various regional powers listed. A sound approach is to remember that most of the well known ancient philosophical schools, including Platonism, Aristotelianism, Stoicism, and Epicureanism, are part of the Greek tradition, even when they later influence Roman or other cultures.

Final Answer:
Stoicism and Epicureanism were associated mainly with the Greeks.