Ancient Greece Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards derived from the Ancient Greece Quest Study Guide.

Homer

An ancient figure who wrote major literary works foundational to Greek culture.

Arête

The ancient Greek ideal of excellence and striving to achieve one's full potential.

Polis

The standard term for an ancient Greek city-state.

Acropolis

A fortified hill or high site within an ancient Greek polis.

Agora

A central open space used as a public meeting area and marketplace in an ancient Greek polis.

Phalanx

A tactical military formation of tightly packed foot soldiers used in ancient Greek warfare.

Hoplites

Citizen-soldiers of ancient Greek city-states armed with spears and shields.

Discovery of Iron

A key technological advancement that made weapons and tools cheaper and more accessible in ancient Greece.

Aristocracy

A form of government ruled by a privileged upper class or noble landowning family.

Tyrants

Rulers who seized power in Greek city-states, often backed by the public against aristocratic rule.

Solon

An Athenian political leader who reformed laws and expanded early democratic representation.

Cleisthenes

An Athenian reformer who restructured the government to further increase democracy in Athens.

Spartans

Citizens of Sparta who emphasized militaristic, disciplined, and physical ideals.

Persian Wars

A series of conflicts between Greek city-states and the Persian Empire featuring major battles and leaders.

Herodotus

An ancient Greek historian known for recording the history of the Persian Wars.

Thucydides

An ancient Greek historian known for analyzing historical events including the Peloponnesian War.

Pericles

A prominent Athenian leader who strengthened democracy and helped rebuild Athens.

Peloponnesian War

A conflict fought between Greek city-states led by Athens and Sparta.

Golden Age of Athens

A period marked by major cultural achievements in Athenian drama, architecture, and political development.