Topic 5: Ancient Greece — Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering Greek geography, early Greece, Athenian democracy, and the differences between Athens and Sparta based on the study guide.

Mountains (Greek Geography)

Geographic features that separated communities and helped create independent city-states.

Polis / City-State

A city and surrounding land with its own government and laws.

Greek Colonies

Settlements established by Greeks to find farmland, trade, and resources.

Minoans

People who lived on Crete; known for palaces, art, and sea trade.

Mycenaeans

Early Greek civilization connected to the Trojan War.

Trojan War

Legendary war between Greeks and Troy; fought under the leadership of Agamemnon and breached using the Trojan Horse.

Agamemnon

The legendary Greek leader in the Trojan War.

Trojan Horse

The device used by the Greeks to enter Troy during the Trojan War.

Solon

Leader who canceled many debts and ended debt bondage in Athens.

Cleisthenes

Leader who helped create Athenian democracy and the Council of 500.

Athenian Democracy

System of government where adult male citizens could participate, but women, enslaved people, and resident foreigners could not.

Athens

City-state characterized by democracy, philosophy, art, theater, trade, and a powerful navy.

Sparta

City-state characterized by military training, discipline, a strong army, and control over helots.

Helots

The population controlled by Sparta through military discipline and training.