Ancient Greece and Rome: Key Concepts and Historical Comparisons

Etruscans

An ancient civilization in Italy that influenced the early development of Rome.

Homer

An ancient Greek poet, traditionally said to be the author of the epic poems 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey.'

Monarchy

A form of government where a single person rules as king or queen, often hereditary.

Aristocracy

A form of government in which power is held by the nobility.

Oligarchy

A form of government where power resides in a small group of people.

Direct Democracy

A system of government in which citizens directly participate in decision-making.

Mercenaries

Soldiers hired to serve in a foreign army.

Republic

A form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern of the rulers.

Pericles

A prominent statesman of Athens during its Golden Age, known for his leadership and contributions to democracy.

Persian Wars

A series of conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire, notably including battles like Marathon and Thermopylae.

Peloponnesian War

A protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta and their respective allies, leading to the eventual defeat of Athens.

Athens

The capital city of Greece, known for its cultural and political achievements in ancient times.

Sparta

An ancient Greek city-state known for its military-oriented society and strict social structure.

Delian League

An alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens formed to continue the fight against Persia.

Olympics

An ancient festival of athletic competitions held in Olympia, Greece, in honor of Zeus.

Parthenon

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

Plebeian

Common citizens of ancient Rome, distinct from the patricians.

Patrician

The aristocratic class in ancient Rome, holding most of the political power.

Legion

A military unit of the ancient Roman army, typically composed of 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers.

Punic Wars

A series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage, leading to the destruction of Carthage and Roman dominance in the Mediterranean.

Tragedy/Comedy

Genres of ancient Greek theater; tragedy deals with serious themes while comedy is humorous and satirical.

Hannibal

A Carthaginian general known for his military tactics during the Second Punic War against Rome.

Herodotus/Thucydides

Herodotus is known as the 'Father of History' for his work on the Greco-Persian Wars, while Thucydides is noted for his account of the Peloponnesian War.

Germanic Tribes

Various tribes that inhabited parts of Europe and played a significant role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Alexander the Great

A king of Macedonia who created one of the largest empires in history by the age of 30.

Egyptian Alexandria

A major city in ancient Egypt founded by Alexander the Great, known for its cultural and intellectual achievements.

Forum

The central public space in ancient Rome used for various activities, including political, social, and economic.

Senate

The governing body in ancient Rome, composed of elected officials and serving as an advisory council.

Twelve Tables

The earliest attempt by the Romans to create a code of law, inscribed on twelve bronze tablets.

Julius Caesar

A Roman general and statesman whose assassination marked the end of the Roman Republic.

Augustus

The first emperor of Rome, known for establishing the Pax Romana and significant reforms.

Pax Romana

A period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire lasting approximately 200 years.

Constantine

The first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and known for establishing Constantinople.

Inflation

A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.

Polis

A city-state in ancient Greece, which was the fundamental political unit.

Trojan War

A legendary conflict between the Greeks and the city of Troy, famously depicted in Homer's works.

Myths

Traditional stories that explain natural or social phenomena, often involving gods and heroes.

Acropolis

A high rocky outcrop in Athens, the site of several ancient buildings of great significance, including the Parthenon.

Helots

A subjugated population in ancient Sparta, primarily agricultural laborers.

Phalanx

A military formation of infantry armed with spears and shields, used by ancient Greek armies.

The Huns

A nomadic group known for their invasions of Europe during the late Roman Empire.

Hellenism

The spread of Greek culture and influence following the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Geography's Influence on Greek Life

Geography shaped Greek life by creating isolated city-states, fostering trade, and influencing cultural exchanges.

Athenian vs. US Democracy

Athenian Democracy was direct, allowing citizens to vote on laws, while US Democracy is representative, with elected officials making decisions.

Results of Persian and Peloponnesian Wars

The Persian Wars united Greek city-states against a common enemy, while the Peloponnesian War led to the decline of Athenian power and the rise of Sparta.

Athens vs. Sparta

Athens valued arts and democracy, while Sparta emphasized military training and discipline.

Alexander the Great's Conquests

Alexander's conquests spread Greek culture and influence throughout the known world, leading to the Hellenistic Era.

Geography's Influence on Roman Life

Rome's geography, with its central location and access to the Mediterranean, facilitated trade and military expansion.

Roman Republic Structure

The Roman Republic had three branches: the Senate (legislative), the Consuls (executive), and the Assemblies (popular vote).

Roman vs. US Democracy

Roman Democracy was more limited, with power concentrated in the Senate, while US Democracy emphasizes individual rights and broader participation.

Causes of Fall of Roman Republic

Key causes included political corruption, economic inequality, and military upheaval.

Pax Romana Significance

The Pax Romana was a time of peace that allowed for economic prosperity and cultural achievements across the Roman Empire.

Causes of Fall of Roman Empire

The fall was caused by economic troubles, military defeats, and internal strife.

Contributions of Greek and Roman Civilizations

Important contributions include advancements in philosophy, government, architecture, and the arts.