Greek city-states

polis

Independent city-state in ancient Greece, consisting of a central town and its surrounding countryside.

Acropolis

A hilltop fortress in a polis used for protection and religious purposes.

Agora

A marketplace and meeting place in ancient Greek city-states.

phalanx

A military formation of foot soldiers using a shield wall, characteristic of ancient Greek warfare.

tyranny

Rule by tyrants who seized power by force, often supported by wealthy traders and poor farmers.

democracy

A political system in which power is vested in the people, often characterized by voting and participation.

oligarchy

A government in which a small group of people, usually the wealthy, hold power.

Sparta

A militaristic Greek city-state known for its strict control and emphasis on military training.

Athens

A prominent Greek city-state known for its development of democracy and cultural achievements.

hoplite

A heavily armed foot soldier of ancient Greece, known for fighting in the phalanx formation.

aristocrat

A member of the highest social class, often holding power in ancient Greek city-states.

Solon

A reformist leader in Athens who canceled debts and freed enslaved debtors.

Cleisthenes

An Athenian leader who introduced a council of 500 and helped establish democratic principles.

Greek Expansion

The period between 750–550 BC when Greeks established colonies due to overpopulation and trade.

citizenship

The status of being a member of a polis with certain rights and responsibilities in ancient Greece.

military state

A society organized for warfare, such as Sparta after conquering neighboring territories.

public works

State-sponsored projects that improve the infrastructure and quality of life in a polis.

wealth gap

The increasing economic disparity between the rich and the ruling aristocrats in ancient Greece.

conflict among city-states

Tensions and rivalries that arose from loyalty to individual polis in ancient Greece.

Greek culture

The art, philosophy, and way of life spread by Greeks as they established colonies.

overpopulation

A contributing factor to Greek expansion, leading to the search for new settlements and farmland.