Ancient Greece Unit Flashcards

Terms, Athens vs. Sparta

Fresco

the art of painting on freshly spread moist lime plaster with water-based pigments

Strait

 a comparatively narrow passageway connecting two large bodies of water

Epic

a long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical hero

Acropolis

the upper fortified part of an ancient Greek city (such as Athens)

Agora

a gathering place

especially : the marketplace in ancient Greece

Oration

A formal speech

Phalanx

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

Citizen

a native or naturalized person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to protection from it 

a member of a state

Tyrant

an absolute ruler unrestrained by law or constitution

one resembling an oppressive ruler in the harsh use of authority or power

Aristocracy

government by the best individuals or by a small privileged class

a class or group of people believed to be superior (as in rank, wealth, or intellect)

Assembly

A group of people gathered for discussion and legislation (to make laws).

Jury

A group of people who are members of the public and are chosen to make a decision (verdict) in a legal case.

Government

A group of people who make and change laws for a place or organization.

Monarchy

Rule by a single person 

Oligarchy

government by the few

Democracy

a form of government in which the people elect representatives to make decisions, policies, laws, etc. according to law

Constitution

A system of beliefs and laws by which a country or state is governed; a document that describes this system.

Minority

a part of a population thought of as differing from the rest of the population in some characteristics and often subjected to differential treatment

Majority

a number or percentage equaling more than half of a total

the group or political party having the greater number of votes (as in a legislature)

Alliance

an association to further the common interests of the members

Civil War

a war between opposing groups of citizens of the same country

Due to isolation that was produced by the mountains of southern Greece, this city-state became suspicious of outsiders and their ideas.  Therefore, travel was restricted to and from this city-state.

Ancient Sparta

Due to its proximity(closeness) to the Aegean Sea, this city-state encouraged travel and trade which helped spread and bring in ideas and new goods and create relationships with other places around the Mediterranean.

Ancient Athens

Claims to be the birthplace of democracy - “the rule of the people.”

Ancient Athens

Had an oligarchy (rule of a few) with two kings who led the city-state as well as serving as generals in the army.

Ancient Sparta

Main law-making body was the Assembly - a gathering place for all citizens to meet, discuss, and make laws/decisions.

Ancient Athens

Women did not participate in politics.

Ancient Athens and Ancient Sparta

City-state included a class of helots - a group of captured individuals who became slaves.  Many were needed so this city-state could concentrate their time and effort to their daily, military exercises.  

Ancient Sparta

Women has no rights and subject to the household

Ancient Athens

Women had some rights - more than any other city-state

Ancient Sparta

Strong navy

Ancient Athens

Strong army

Ancient Sparta

Taught reading, writing, math, music, poetry, philosophy and more in schools or academies.

Ancient Athens

Boys taken from parents at age 7 to start training for life in the military.  Learned the art of warfare and survival skills.

Ancient Sparta

Military camp for only two years from age 18-20.

Ancient Athens

Age 20, placed in ranks of military and at age 30, could marry but still lived in army housing.

Ancient Sparta

Education was important to the people of this city-state as they believed their government was dependent on having well-prepared citizens.  Educated citizens would result in a stronger government.

Ancient Athens

Girls received little to no education - only taught spinning, weaving and other household duties.

Ancient Athens

Girls educated in subjects and could participate in gymnastics and other sports. This was thought to produce strong, healthy babies.

Ancient Sparta

Women enjoyed freedoms - could move around, own property and looked over property when husband was away.

Ancient Sparta

Women were kept at home and considered property of their husbands

Ancient Athens

Simple Lifestyle - no luxuries

Ancient Sparta

Democracy with the rule of the people

Ancient Athens

Enjoyed luxuries and foods from all over their empire due to their ability to travel and trade.

Ancient Athens

Emphasis on developing culture → art, education, architecture, drama/theater, science, philosophy and more.

Ancient Athens