HIS 101 – Unit 3 Study Guide: Ancient Greeks

Flashcards about Ancient Greek history, culture, and society, with a focus on key events, figures, and concepts.

What was the basic Greek political structure that emerged around 800 BCE?

The polis, or city-state.

What marked the Greek Dark Age?

Loss of literacy, urban decline, and depopulation.

What was the significance of the Olympic Games?

They symbolized unity and excellence (arete) and honored Zeus.

What role did oracles like Delphi play in Greek society?

They played key roles in decision-making.

What was the status of women in ancient Greek public life?

Women were marginalized.

What was the nature of slavery in Greece?

Slaves had no legal rights and could be beaten or killed, making up about 1/3 of the population.

What was the Spartan society known for?

Military oligarchy relying heavily on the labor of helots.

What was the primary expectation for Spartan girls?

To exercise for eugenic reasons—to produce strong offspring.

Who was Draco?

Introduced severe laws in Athens (621 BCE); even minor crimes had the death penalty.

What were Solon's reforms?

Reformed law to prevent revolution, canceling debts and banning debt slavery (594 BCE).

How did Cleisthenes contribute to Athenian democracy?

Introduced demes (districts) and created a Council of 500 with representation across demes (508 BCE).

How did Pericles expand democracy in Athens?

Expanded democracy further by paying for public service (495–429 BCE).

What was the significance of the Battle of Marathon?

Athenian phalanx defeated the Persians (490 BCE).

What happened at the Battle of Thermopylae?

Leonidas and 300 Spartans delayed the Persian advance (480 BCE).

What was the outcome of the Battle of Salamis?

Themistocles led the Greek navy to victory using triremes (480 BCE).

What was the Delian League?

Alliance led by Athens initially formed to defend against Persia.

Who were notable playwrights during the Classical Age of Athens?

Sophocles and Aristophanes.

What were the key motivations behind the Peloponnesian War?

Conflict between Athens (Delian League) and Sparta (Peloponnesian League), Sparta feared Athens’ imperial power (431–404 BCE).

What was the Long Walls strategy employed by Athens during the Peloponnesian War?

To secure port access, ensuring a food supply.

What were the consequences of the Syracuse Expedition for Athens?

A disastrous loss, weakening its power; 20,000 slaves fled, and silver production collapsed.

What happened at the Battle of Aegospotami?

Sparta, backed by Persia, destroyed Athens’ navy (405 BCE).

What followed Athens' surrender in the Peloponnesian War?

Thirty Tyrants ruled brutally, executing 1,500 citizens.

What is the lasting legacy of Athenian democracy?

Early model of citizen self-rule, though limited and fragile.

Dark Age (1000–750 BCE)

Period after Mycenaean collapse; literacy and trade declined.

Olympic Games

Pan-Hellenic athletic festival honoring Zeus.

Polis

Greek city-state and political unit.

Acropolis

Fortified hilltop center of religious and civic life

What were the key reforms of Solon?

Canceled debts, banned debt slavery, restructured society by wealth.

Why was knowledge of triremes important?

Fast warships that gave Greeks naval superiority during battle

What was the Delian League?

Anti-Persian alliance led by Athens.

Name for the Greek people, indicating cultural unity

Hellenes

Battle of Aegospotami (405 BCE)

Final naval battle where Athens was defeated.