Ancient Greece Part 1

Peninsula

Area of land surrounded by water on 3 sides and a mainland on the 4th side.

Acropolis

the fortified, or strengthened, hill of an ancient greek city

Aristocrat

a member of a rich and powerful family

Tyrant

a ruler who takes power by force

Democracy

a form of government in which citizens govern themselves

Greek

the language all Greek people spoke

Minoans

Greece's first civilization
3000 to 1100 B.C.E.
Island of Crete
Bronze age people.

Knossos

Capital of Minoan Civilization.
Destroyed around 1400 BC

Crete

Island in the Aegean Sea.
Minoan civilization built their culture here.

Mycenaeans

Mainland Greeks who were very warlike.
Came to power around 1400 B.C.E.

Troy

City where the Trojan war myth took place

Trojan War

Somewhat mythical war between Mycenaean Greeks and the Trojans of Troy

Colony

an area under control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country.

Polis

Another name for a greek city-state. Examples include Athens, Thebes, Sparta, Corinth.

Dark Age

A period of time where not much is known about the culture. Often caused by lack of writing and learning or spread of knowledge.

Bronze Age

Period of time from 3000 BCE - 1200 BCE. Humans used bronze for weapons and had little writing. Cities started developing.

Iron Age

Period of time from 1200 BCE - 1BCE. Humans use iron for weapons (stronger than bronze). Cities are everywhere and trade is booming.

Homer

Author. He wrote about the Trojan War in his book the Iliad. He also wrote about Odysseus' travels home from the war in The Odyssey.

Epic poem

A long story about a serious subject usually involving heroic actions

Myth

A made up story that explains some natural or social event that people can't explain, and typically involves supernatural beings or events.

Doric Columns

Oldest and simplest column. A simply base at the top.

Ionic Columns

Slightly complex column with a base and rivets up the side. Typically has scroll shape at top.

Corinthian Columns

Most fancy column. Typically has leaf-like figure at top.