Study Guide: Ancient Greece

This flashcard set contains key terms and concepts from the study of Ancient Greece, focusing on cultural, historical, and geographical aspects pertinent to the lecture notes.

Cultural Zones

Regions characterized by shared beliefs and cultural traits, lacking defined borders.

Polis

A city-state in ancient Greece, functioning as an independent community with its own laws and governance.

Minoans

An early civilization in ancient Greece, known for their advancements and the emergence of trade.

Mycenaeans

A civilization that followed the Minoans, known for their fortified cities and trade.

Hellenistic Period

The era following Alexander the Great's conquests, characterized by the spread of Greek culture.

Democracy

A system of government where citizens, specifically males in ancient Greece, vote on laws and policies.

Acropolis

A fortified part of an ancient Greek city, typically situated on a high hill, often containing temples.

Herodotus

Often referred to as the 'Father of History,' who introduced storytelling to historical records.

Thucydides

An ancient Greek historian known for his evidence-based method of reporting history.

Geography of Greece

Marked by mountains and seas, affecting trade and warfare strategies in ancient times.

Greek Mythology

A body of myths originally told by the ancient Greeks concerning their gods and heroes.

Cynicism

A philosophical school that values self-sufficiency and asceticism, often focusing on living in accordance with nature.

Epicureanism

A philosophy stressing the pursuit of pleasure in moderation as the path to happiness.

Stoicism

An ancient Greek philosophy teaching the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions.

Olympians

The primary group of deities in ancient Greek mythology, including gods like Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon.

Oracle

A priest or priestess acting as a medium through whom advice or prophecy was sought from the gods.

Aguara

The marketplace in a Greek city-state where trade and exchange occurred.

Cyclopean Walls

Massive stone walls built in ancient Greece, named for their supposed construction by cyclopes.