Archaic Greece and the Classical Period

Archaic Age

period that immediately follows the Dark Ages, with an emergence in writing and Pan-Hellenism

Hellas

region where Greek people (Hellenes) live

Olympic Games

games that happen every 4 years in the city state of Olympia

Polis

independent Greek city state that encompasses the heart of the city and its surrounding areas

Hoplites

free soliders who provided their own armor and weapons and participated in the Hoplite Phalanx

Great Rhetra

the “Spartan Constitution” attributed to Lycurgus

Helots

made up around 90% of the population; agricultural serfs/slaves that could be killed with no repercussions

Gerousia

Spartan council of elders elected to be responsible for daily advice/decision making

Ephors

Spartan 5 member council who served around 1 year; responsible for keeping the city functioning (policies/war)

Agoge

state sponsored training program in Sparta that prepared men for military duties

Peloponnesian League

league of Greek city states in military alliance

Archons

9 elected administrators for the Athenian city state

Boule

council of 500 men who made deicisions for the functioning of the government (Athenian)

Perciles

Greek statesman who limited Athenian citizenship to those who were born of 2 Athenian parents

Piraeus

main port town in the city of Athens

Greek colonisation

wave of expansions during the Archaic age where Greek citizens migrated across the Mediterranean

oligarchy

Greek meaning “ruled by the few” —> group who held power for themselves and where power was concentrated to the elites

tyranny

exercise of rule by those who have no legit claim to power but somehow usurped political authority