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Family Resemblance

Commonalities shared with most Greeks that tell us about their culture.

Transmitted Text

Texts that have been passed down through history.

Biofact

Organic artifacts, such as charcoal, that provide archaeological evidence.

Inference

A conclusion drawn from data.

Assumption

Something taken for granted, either knowingly or unknowingly.

Indo-European

A group of languages believed to originate from a common Proto-Indo-European language.

Megaron

A hall where a council of chiefs met to formulate policy for the demos.

Linear B

A script used for writing Greek that represented syllables.

Epic Poetry

Expansive poems about the deeds of heroes, composed in a highly elevated style.

Iliad

An epic poem by Homer about the rage of Achilles.

Odyssey

An epic poem by Homer about Odysseus' journey home from the Trojan War.

Glory (Kleos)

The quest for honor that Greeks sought, often associated with nobility in battle.

Aristeia

The finest moments in battle for a hero, considered the greatest glory.

Respect (tīmē)

One's value and honor, foundational for self-worth in groups.

Panhellenism

The unifying culture and identity of Greeks through shared festivals and worship.

Klēros (pl. kleroi)

An ancestral plot of farmland essential for marriage in ancient Greece.

Phalanx

A tightly packed formation used by Hoplite armies.

Aulos

A wind instrument used in ancient Rome.

Agōgē

The Spartan system for raising and educating children.

Syssition

A dining group essential for acceptance into Spartan society.

Apella

The assembly of the people in Sparta.

Gerousia

The council of elders in Sparta, composed of 28 men over 60.

Democracy

A political system based on equality and the idea of ruling and being ruled in turn.

Aristocracy

A social class of elites who rule by hereditary right.

Council of 500

A council established by Cleisthenes to manage financial and foreign affairs.

Ostracism

A procedure allowing Athenians to vote to exile a fellow citizen for ten years.

Bronze Age

A historical period marked by the emergence of Mycenaean dominance and social hierarchies.

Iron Age

A period where the Greek Alphabet emerged, borrowing letters from the Phoenician system.

Trojan War

A legendary conflict between Troy and Achaean Greeks, dated around 1250-1225 BCE.

Archaic Period

A time of political and social development in Greece, characterized by the formation of poleis.

Olympics

The first Olympic Games held in 776 BCE, showcasing athletic talent.

Age of Tyrants

A period where tyrants arose, often supported by citizens, especially the poor.

Seisachtheia

Reform by Solon to free those enslaved due to debt.

Mycenae

An ancient Greek city known for its palaces and complex social hierarchy.

Troy

A significant city during the Trojan War, discovered by Heinrich Schliemann.

Polis (pl. poleis)

A political community forming a self-governing city-state.

Lakonia

The region surrounding Sparta, home to a significant Spartan population.

Sparta

A powerful Greek polis known for its military culture and mixed government.

Athens

A major Greek polis noted for its aristocracy and democratic developments.

Heinrich Schliemann

Businessman credited for discovering the ruins of Troy.

Minoans

Early Greek civilization known for their palatial architecture and worship of a goddess.

Warlord

The term 'wanax' referring to the leader in Mycenaean society.

Rhapsode

Professional poets in ancient Greece who performed epics.

Homer

The legendary author of the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Achilles

The protagonist of the Iliad, known for his rage.

Odysseus

The clever protagonist of the Odyssey.

Agamemnon

The antagonist in the Iliad, king of Mycenae.

Chryses

A Trojan priest of Apollo, father of Chryseis.

Ethnos (pl. ethnē)

A group sharing identity and territory without a capital polis.

Dēmos (pl. dēmoi)

Denotes the territory and populace of a political community.

Basileus (pl. basileis)

Chief or leader in a state, not a king.

Tyrant

A dictator or strongman, often supported by popular sentiment.

Colony

A city-state established away from the metropolis.

Hoplite

Heavily armored Greek foot soldiers.

Helot

Subjugated people in Sparta, akin to serfs.

Spartiate

Elite citizens of Sparta, trained for military.

Perioikoi

Free neighbors living around Sparta.

Ephor

Magistrate overseeing Spartan youth and governance.

Archon

High official position in Athenian government.

Eupatrids

Aristocratic families in Athens, often large landowners.

Thesmothetai

Judicial officials in Athenian government.

Tribe

A social unit of Athenian citizens, divided into thirds.

Solon

Athenian reformer who revised property classes and laws.

Hektēmorioi

Poor sharecroppers in ancient Athens.

Pentekosiomedimnoi

The wealthiest political class in Solon’s reforms.

hippeis

Middle-class horsemen in Athenian society.

zeugitai

Lower class of farmers in ancient Athens.

thetes

Lowest class of laborers in Athenian society.

Pisistratus

Benevolent tyrant of Athens known for his building projects.

Cleisthenes

Reformer who established democracy and the Council of 500 in Athens.