Ancient World History: Classical Greece

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Ancient Greece and the Hellenistic Empire, aiding in understanding important figures, events, and cultural achievements.

Golden Age of Greece

Period characterized by remarkable cultural achievements, including democracy, philosophy, art, and literature.

Hellenistic Empire

Era following Alexander the Great’s conquests, marked by the spread of Greek culture across a vast region.

Polis

A city-state in ancient Greece, fundamental political unit of Greek civilization.

Acropolis

The elevated part of a Greek city, often containing temples and important public buildings.

Democracy

A form of government where power lies with the people, characterized by the election of officials.

Phalanx

A military formation of foot soldiers armed with spears and shields, used effectively in ancient Greek warfare.

Socrates

An ancient Greek philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology and for his method of questioning.

Tragedy

A dramatic genre in ancient Greece dealing with serious themes and often depicting a heroic downfall.

Peloponnesian War

A protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta, leading to the eventual downfall of the Athenian Empire.

Hippocrates

Considered the father of medicine, known for his contributions to the field and the Hippocratic Oath.

Epicureanism

A philosophy advocating the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain as the highest good.

Stoicism

A philosophy emphasizing self-control, reason, and acceptance of fate, often associated with virtue as the greatest good.

Minoans

An ancient civilization based on the island of Crete, known for advances in art, architecture, and trade.

Mycenaeans

An ancient Greek civilization that succeeded the Minoans, known for their warrior culture and the Trojan War.

Oracle

A priest or priestess through whom a deity is believed to speak, often consulted for guidance.

Delian League

An alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens, formed for mutual defense against Persia.

Pericles

A prominent leader of Athens during its Golden Age, known for his influence on democracy and culture.

Hellenistic

Related to the period of cultural diffusion following Alexander's conquests, blending Greek and Eastern elements.

Alexandria

A major city in Egypt, founded by Alexander the Great, known as a center of learning and culture during the Hellenistic period.

The Parthenon

A temple on the Acropolis of Athens dedicated to the goddess Athena, symbolizing the glory of Athens.

Xerxes

The Persian king whose invasion led to significant battles during the Persian Wars, including Thermopylae and Salamis.

Sophocles

An ancient Greek playwright known for tragedies such as Oedipus Rex.