Pavlac Ch 4: Trial of the Hellenes

Polis

An independent Greek city-state, including the city and its surrounding territory, with its own government and laws.

Democracy

Government where citizens directly participate in making decisions, especially in Athens.

Aristocracy

Rule by a small group of wealthy or noble families.

Hoplite

Heavily armed Greek infantryman who fought with a shield, spear, and armor.

Phalanx

Tight formation of hoplites standing shield-to-shield in rows.

Tyrant

A ruler who seized power outside the traditional system, often ruling with authority gained during political turmoil.

Oligarchy

Government ruled by a small group, typically wealthy or powerful citizens.

Persian Wars (494-449 BC)

Wars between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire, ending with Greek independence.

Peloponnesian Wars (460-404 BC)

Wars between Athens and its allies and Sparta and its allies, ending with Athens’ defeat and Spartan dominance.

Delian League

An alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens, originally formed to defend against Persia.

Demagogues

Political leaders who gained influence by appealing directly to the public.

Hellenistic Age (338–146 BC)

Period when Greek culture spread throughout the eastern Mediterranean after Alexander’s conquests.

Alexander III “the Great” (r. 336–323 BC)

Macedonian king who conquered the Persian Empire and spread Greek culture across a vast empire.

Hellenization

The spread and adoption of Greek language, culture, customs, and ideas throughout the Mediterranean and Near East.

Civic cults

Public religious practice honoring the gods that were connected to a Greek city-state.

Mystery Cults

Religious groups offering secret rituals and initiation that promised followers special knowledge or benefits.

Socrates

A famous Athenian philosopher who taught through questioning and dialogue, encouraging people to examine their beliefs.

Plato

Student of Socrates who founded the Academy and wrote philosophical dialogues, including ideas about ideal forms and government.

Aristotle

Student of Plato who studied logic, science, and ethics and founded the Lyceum.