Ancient Greek City States

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to the ancient Greek city-states, their political structure, military, and cultural aspects.

Polis

A city-state that was the center of Greek life, with defined rights and responsibilities for its citizens.

Acropolis

A fortified area within a polis that served as a refuge during attacks and as a religious center.

Agora

An open area in a polis used as a place for gatherings and a marketplace.

Hoplite

Heavily armed infantry soldiers in ancient Greece who fought in a phalanx formation.

Phalanx

A military formation where hoplites marched shoulder to shoulder, creating a wall of shields.

Colonization

The establishment of Greek colonies across the Mediterranean to spread Greek culture and ideas.

Tyrant

A ruler who seized power by force from the aristocrats, often supported by the newly wealthy and peasants.

Oligarchy

A form of government where power is held by a select few.

Helots

Slaves in Sparta, who were conquered people and worked the land for the Spartans.

Ephors

A group of five elected elders in Sparta responsible for education and conduct of citizens.

Council of Elders

A governing body in Sparta consisting of two kings and 28 men over the age of 60, deciding issues for voting.

Athenian Assembly

A body created by Cleisthenes made up of male citizens, given authority to pass laws with open debate.

Draco

A tyrant in Athens known for codifying laws with harsh penalties.

Cleisthenes

A reformer who created the Council of 500 and laid the groundwork for Athenian democracy.

Mythology

A unifying cultural aspect in ancient Greece, featuring deities that embodied natural forces.

Zeus

The king of all the gods in Greek mythology who led the gods in defeating the Titans.