Greek Study Guide

Geography's impact on Greek city-states

The mountainous terrain created isolated communities, the coastline facilitated trade, and limited resources led to colonization.

Polis

The term for city-state in ancient Greece, representing a distinct community with its own government.

Agora

The public open space used for assemblies and markets within a city-state, serving as a hub for social, political, and economic activities.

Acropolis

A high, fortified area within a city-state, often the site of important religious temples and buildings.

Hoplite

Heavily armed foot soldiers of ancient Greece who fought in a phalanx formation.

Delian League

An alliance organized by Athens for mutual defense during the Persian Wars.

Peloponnesian War

A conflict between Athens and Sparta from 431 to 404 BCE that led to the defeat of Athens.

Tyrant

A ruler who seized power with popular support and enacted reforms that addressed the needs of common people.

Hellenistic Era

The period from 323 to 30 BCE characterized by the spread of Greek culture across Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa after the death of Alexander the Great.

Alexander the Great

A prominent Macedonian ruler who created one of the largest empires in ancient history and spread Hellenistic culture.

Mycenae

A major trade, culture, and military center during the late Bronze Age influential to early Greek civilization.

Homer

A famous ancient Greek poet known for the epic poems the Iliad and Odyssey that shaped Greek language and moral values.

Epic Poems

Long narrative poems that depict heroic deeds, moral lessons, and provide historical context, significant in shaping Greek culture.

Achilles

The greatest Greek warrior in the Iliad whose conflict drives the plot.

Agamemnon

Leader of the Greeks in the Iliad whose quarrel with Achilles affects the army's fate.

Hector

The finest Trojan warrior in the Iliad, representing honor and duty.

Patroclus

Achilles' close friend whose death spurs Achilles to return to battle.

Priam

King of Troy in the Iliad, embodying grief for his son Hector.

Cultural Exchange

Interactions through trade and alliances leading to influences in Greek art, philosophy, and governance.

Athenian Empire Formation

Resulted from Athenian victories in the Persian Wars, establishing dominance through the Delian League.