Classical Civilizations 600 BCE - 600 CE (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Poleis (Greek city-states)

Independent Greek cities with their own governments and laws (Ancient Greece).

Oligarchy

A form of government ruled by a small group of elites (Ancient Greece, Rome initially).

Democracy

Rule by the people; citizens participate in decision-making (Ancient Greece).

Monarchy

A government ruled by a king or queen (Ancient Greece, Rome initially, Persia).

Socrates

Philosopher who emphasized questioning and individual inquiry (Ancient Greece).

Plato

Philosopher who proposed ideal forms and the importance of group knowledge (Ancient Greece).

Aristotle

Philosopher who studied many subjects and emphasized empirical observation (Ancient Greece).

Geometry

Branch of mathematics dealing with shapes, sizes, and proofs (Ancient Greece).

Olympics

Ancient Greek athletic festival held every four years (Ancient Greece).

Mediterranean maritime trade

Sea-based commerce across the Mediterranean, linking Greece and Rome (Ancient Greece, Rome).

Olives and grapes

Primary agricultural products in Greece due to mountain terrain (Ancient Greece).

Roman Republic

Early Roman government with elected representatives (Ancient Rome).

Roman Empire

Expanded Roman state with centralized authority and vast territories (Ancient Rome).

Roman concrete

Durable building material enabling extensive construction (Ancient Rome).

Aqueducts

Water-supply systems that brought fresh water to cities (Ancient Rome).

Roman roads

Extensive network of roads facilitating movement and control (Ancient Rome).

Slavery in Rome

Widespread practice significantly shaping Roman society (Ancient Rome).

Roman women’s property rights

Women could own property and manage some affairs, though political rights were limited (Ancient Rome).

Polytheism

Religious belief in many gods practiced (Ancient Greece, Rome, Persia, India beforehand).

Mythology

Stories about gods and heroes that shaped cultural values (Ancient Greece, Rome).

Hellenistic Greece

Spread of Greek culture and influence after Alexander the Great (Ancient Greece/Hellenistic Era).

Cyrus the Great

Founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire; expanded and organized the realm (Ancient Persia).

Royal Road

Persian imperial highway for fast communication and trade (Ancient Persia).

Qanat system

Underground irrigation channels used to supply water (Ancient Persia).

Ashoka

Mauryan emperor who expanded Buddhism and reformed administration and roads (Mauryan Empire, Ancient India).

Mauryan Empire

Early Indian empire with centralized governance