What best explains the why Greek ideas in science and math spread across the Mediterranean?

After defeating Athens, the Spartans embraced Greek knowledge and brought it back to Sparta.
As the Athenian empire expanded and trade grew, Greek knowledge spread.
As a society Greek was held in high regard, and other civilizations eagerly picked up on their knowledge.
Greek actors traveled across the Athenian empire performing dramas and tragedies reflecting Greek ideals.