Ancient Greece Quest Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on key concepts, historical figures, terms, and events from the Ancient Greece Quest study guide.

Homer

An ancient Greek epic poet who authored foundational literary works such as the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Arête

The ancient Greek ideal of excellence, courage, honor, and moral virtue.

Polis

The fundamental political unit of ancient Greece; a city-state.

Acropolis

A fortified hilltop in an ancient Greek polis used for government, religious temples, and military defense.

Agora

A central public open space in an ancient Greek polis used as a market and meeting place for citizen assemblies.

Phalanx

A tactical military formation of tightly packed foot soldiers armed with long spears and overlapping shields.

Hoplites

Heavily armed foot soldiers of ancient Greek city-states.

Discovery of Iron

A technological advancement that produced cheaper and harder military equipment, allowing ordinary citizens—not just rich nobles—to serve in armies.

Aristocracy

A form of government ruled by a small elite class of landowning nobles.

Tyrants

Powerful individuals in ancient Greece who seized control of government by appealing to the common people for support against the ruling aristocracy.

Solon

An Athenian statesman who expanded early democracy by outlawing debt slavery and opening public office to citizens based on wealth rather than noble birth.

Cleisthenes

An Athenian reformer who furthered democracy by reorganizing citizens into ten tribes, breaking up noble power, and establishing the Council of 500.

Spartan Ideals

Cultural values that emphasized military strength, duty, physical endurance, discipline, self-denial, and obedience to the state.

Persian Wars

A series of conflicts between Greek city-states and the Persian Empire initiated by the revolt of Ionian Greek cities against Persian rule.

Herodotus

An ancient Greek historian, known as the 'Father of History,' who wrote detailed accounts of the Persian Wars.

Thucydides

An ancient Greek historian known for his objective and rigorous account of the Peloponnesian War.

Pericles

An Athenian leader who advanced direct democracy, strengthened the Athenian naval empire, and oversaw the cultural rebuilding of Athens during its Golden Age.

Peloponnesian War

A war fought between the Athenian Empire (Delian League) and the Spartan Alliance (Peloponnesian League) sparked by growing power struggles and Sparta's fear of Athenian expansion.

Golden Age Accomplishments

A period of cultural achievements in Athens marked by landmark architecture (such as the Parthenon) and classical theatrical drama (tragedy and comedy).