greek midterm 1

Family resemblance

There are no fixed set of characteristics that make a sandwich a sandwich; only family resemblances.

Transmitted text

Texts that have been passed down through history.

Biofacts

Archaeological evidence consisting of organic material that was not the object of craftsmanship.

Inference

A conclusion drawn from data or premises.

Assumption

Something taken for granted, either knowingly or unknowingly.

Indo-European

A group of languages that bear a family resemblance and are believed to come from some common proto-Indo-European language.

Megaron

Architectural form consisting of an open porch, vestibule, and large hall with a central hearth and throne, found in all Mycenaean palaces and some houses.

Linear B

Syllabic script used for writing in Mycenaean Greek, the earliest attested form of the Greek language, predating the Greek alphabet by centuries.

Epic poetry

Long narrative poem that’s written in verse and is usually the length of a novel, often telling the story of a single person or group of people.

Iliad

One of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer, set around the end of the Trojan War.

Odyssey

One of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer, focusing on the adventures of Odysseus.

Kleos

The quest for glory to make your life meaningful by leaving your mark.

Aristeia

A scene in epic poetry where a hero in battle has his finest moments.

Tīmē

The need for respect, fundamental for group unity and individual self-worth.

Homeric values

The belief in multiple fallible gods and a good human life embodied by heroes.

Christian values

The belief in one infallible God and a good human life embodied by Jesus and his disciples.

Geometric pottery

A style of ceramic art that emerged in ancient Greece during the Geometric period.

Panhellenism

The process that generated a shared culture among ancient Greeks and understood the Homeric epics as both products and producers of this phenomenon.

Agamemnon (klēros)

A lot, division, or share that plays a crucial role in understanding the spiritual and social structure of biblical narratives.

Phalanx

A body of heavily armed infantry in ancient Greece formed in close deep ranks and files.

Ethnos

A term used to describe a people or community.

Hoplon

A round wooden shield covered in bronze, used by ancient Greek warriors.

Dēmos

A village-like community that was not a city-state.

Aulos

A flute-like wind instrument in ancient Greece.

Basileus

The title for a king or chief in ancient Greece.

Spartan mirage

The idealized vision of Sparta as an egalitarian and orderly society characterized by patriotism and courage.

Tyrant

A leader who often took rule to benefit the people but rarely transferred power to their sons.

Agōgē

The training program prerequisite for Spartiate (citizen) status.

Syssition

A group of fifteen male Spartans who ate and socialized together; essential for full Spartan citizenship.

Hoplite

Citizen-soldiers of ancient Greek city-states.

Apella

The popular assembly of Ancient Sparta, representing the democratic element of the Spartan state.

Gerousia

The council of elders in Sparta made up of the two kings and twenty-eight men over the age of sixty.

Democracy

A form of government in Classical Greece allowing adult male citizens to participate in politics.

Aristocracy

A form of government where a small group of elites holds power, often based on heredity.

Council of 500

Established by Cleisthenes; served as the city-state’s administrative body, providing governance and representation.

Ostracism

A procedure in Athens allowing citizens to vote to exile someone for ten years to prevent the rise of a tyrant.

Bronze Age

Period characterized by early social hierarchies and the development of Mycenaean civilization.

Iron Age

The period from 1200-750 BCE; includes events like the fall of Troy.

Trojan War

A legendary conflict between Greece and Troy, often considered a mix of historical and fictional elements.

Archaic Period

Period of Greek history from 750-480 BCE, marked by the revival of civilization and colonization.

Olympics

The first organized large-scale sports and competition events in ancient Greece, beginning in 776 BC.

Age of Tyrants

Period during which many tyrants ruled in Greece; often just leaders from elite families providing for the people.

Seisachtheia

Solon’s reforms involving debt cancellation and the establishment of property limits.

Mycenae

Home of the Mycenaeans, known for their early Greek power and conquest of the Minoans.

Troy

The location of the Trojan War, built over many times throughout history.

Lefkandi

An archaeological site indicating wealth and community connections after the Dark Ages.

Polis

A term defining a political community, which includes a city and its surrounding countryside.

Lakonia

The region under Spartan rule, known for its militaristic society.

Sparta

The warrior city-state in Greece, focused on military training from a young age.

Athens

The democratic city-state of Greece, evolving from oligarchy.

Heinrich Schliemann

The archaeologist who uncovered the ruins of Troy, believed to be a mythical location.

Minoans

People who lived on Crete and were conquered by the Mycenaeans.

Mycenaeans

The early Greek-speaking people who conquered the Minoans and used Linear B for writing.

Rhapsode

A storyteller who recited epic poetry by word of mouth, using repeating phrases for memorization.

Homer

The legendary figure said to compose the Iliad and the Odyssey, though his existence is debated.