ANCIENT GREEK

Polis

A city-state in ancient Greece, typically centered on an urban area and controlling the surrounding territory.

Oligarchy

A form of government in which power is held by a small group of elites.

Monarchy

A form of government in which power is held by a single ruler, such as a king or queen.

Tyrant

A ruler who seizes power by force and governs oppressively.

Democracy

A form of government in which power is held by the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives.

Assembly

A gathering of citizens in a democracy where they can discuss and vote on laws and policies.

Agora

A central public space in ancient Greek city-states, used for assemblies, markets, and social gatherings.

Philosophy

The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and values.

Allies

States or groups that join together to support one another, typically in times of war or conflict.

Direct Democracy

A system where citizens participate directly in decision-making, voting on laws and policies themselves.

Indirect Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Hellenism

The spread of Greek culture, language, and ideas throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Peloponnesus

A peninsula in southern Greece, the location of city-states like Sparta.

Socrates

A Greek philosopher who developed a method of questioning to examine beliefs and ideas.

Mythology

A collection of myths or stories that explain the origins, beliefs, and customs of a culture.