History: Greece and Persia

Cyrus the Great

Founder of the Persian Empire (c. 550 BCE). Known for tolerance toward conquered peoples, allowing local customs, religions, and self-rule. Issued the Cyrus Cylinder.

Darius I (Darius the Great)

Expanded and organized the Persian Empire. Created satrapies, standardized taxes, built the Royal Road, and strengthened imperial administration.

Xerxes

Son of Darius I. Led the Persian invasions of Greece, including Thermopylae and Salamis. Ultimately failed to conquer Greece.

Darius III

Last Persian king. Defeated by Alexander the Great at the Battle of Gaugamela, leading to the fall of the Persian Empire.

Draco

Athenian lawgiver who created the first written law code (621 BCE). Laws were extremely harsh (“draconian”) but established order.

Solon

Athenian reformer (594 BCE). Reduced inequality by ending debt slavery, reorganized citizens by wealth, and expanded political participation.

Cleisthenes

Founder of Athenian democracy (508 BCE). Reorganized citizens into tribes, weakened aristocratic power, and introduced ostracism.

Themistocles

Athenian leader who promoted naval power. Built a strong navy of triremes and led Greece to victory at Salamis.

Pericles

Leader during Athens’ Golden Age. Expanded democracy, paid public officials, promoted art and architecture, and strengthened the empire.

Leonidas

Spartan king who led Greek forces at Thermopylae. His stand became a symbol of sacrifice and courage.

Demosthenes

Athenian orator who warned against Macedonian expansion. His speeches (Philippics) defended Greek independence.

Aristotle

Greek philosopher and tutor of Alexander the Great. Classified governments and argued that the purpose of government was to promote virtuous living.

Philip II of Macedon

King who unified Greece under Macedonian rule. Reformed the army and defeated Athens and Thebes at Chaeronea.

Alexander the Great

Conquered the Persian Empire and spread Greek culture across three continents. Encouraged cultural blending and founded many cities.

Ptolemy

One of Alexander’s generals. Took control of Egypt after Alexander’s death and founded the Ptolemaic dynasty.

Seleucus

Another general of Alexander. Founded the Seleucid Empire in much of Asia.

Satrapy / Satrap

A Persian province ruled by a governor (satrap) under the king’s authority.

Royal Road

A Persian highway system that improved communication, trade, and military control.

Cyrus Cylinder

An inscription portraying Cyrus as a benevolent ruler; early example of political propaganda.

Persian Immortals

Elite Persian infantry unit of 10,000 soldiers.

Polis

A Greek city-state, including the city and surrounding land.

Acropolis

A fortified hilltop in Greek cities, often with temples.

Agora

Marketplace and public gathering space in Greek cities.

Assembly (Ekklesia)

Governing body of Athenian citizens who voted on laws and policies.

Ostracism

A democratic process allowing citizens to exile a person seen as a threat to democracy.

Direct Democracy

System in which citizens vote directly on laws rather than through representatives.

Hoplite

Heavily armed Greek foot soldier.

Phalanx

Military formation of hoplites fighting shoulder to shoulder.

Trireme

Fast Greek warship powered by three rows of oars.

Persian Wars

Conflicts between Greece and Persia (490–479 BCE).

Delian League

Alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens against Persia; later became an empire.

Peloponnesian War

War between Athens and Sparta that weakened Greece (431–404 BCE).

Hellenism

The spread and blending of Greek culture with other cultures.

Library of Alexandria

Major center of learning in the Hellenistic world.

Telos

Purpose or goal; for humans, Aristotle believed it was happiness through virtue.

Polity / Democracy

Rule by the many for the common good.

Aristocracy / Oligarchy

Rule by the few, often the wealthy.

Monarchy / Tyranny

Rule by one; tyranny refers to selfish or unlawful rule.

621 BCE

Draco’s law code

594 BCE

Solon’s reforms

508 BCE

Cleisthenes’ democracy

550 BCE

Cyrus founds Persian Empire

522–486 BCE

Reign of Darius I

490 BCE

Marathon

480 BCE

Thermopylae & Salamis

479 BCE

Plataea

478 BCE

Formation of Delian League

461–429 BCE

Age of Pericles

431–404 BCE

Peloponnesian War

416 BCE

Melos

359–336 BCE

Reign of Philip II of Macedon

338 BCE

Battle of Chaeronea

336–323 BCE

Reign of Alexander the Great