Greece

Minoans

Ancient civilization (2000-1450 BCE) on Crete known for sculpture, metalwork, and trade with Egyptians, destroyed by a volcanic eruption.

Mycenaeans

Civilization (1600-1100 BCE) entering Greece from the north, involved in the Trojan War, faced economic collapse and population decrease.

City-State

Basic political unit in ancient Greece, consisting of a city and nearby villages, with adult male citizens participating in governance.

Persian Wars

Series of conflicts between Greek city-states and the Persian Empire, including battles like Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea.

Hoplite

Greek foot soldier equipped with bronze armor, shields, and spears, fighting in a formation called a Phalanx, sponsored by the middle class.

Tyrant

Ruler who seized power outside accepted means, often ambitious middle-class men promoting trade and public works projects.

Solon

Introduced laws in ancient Athens to relieve the debt of the poor, abolished debtors' slavery, and expanded political participation.

Greek Mythology

Belief system with anthropomorphic gods residing on Mount Olympus, involving rituals, sacrifices, and belief in the afterlife.

Olympic Games

Ancient religious event honoring Zeus, featuring sports like running, wrestling, boxing, and chariot racing, held every four years in Olympia.

Titans, Olympians, Heroes

Titans ruled before Olympians, who overthrew them; Heroes celebrated mortal achievements in Greek mythology.

Theatre

The first to use theater for entertainment, with tragedies depicting stories from the past and comedies addressing current problems.

Greek Houses

Homes in the city with larger rooms arranged around a courtyard, featuring separate living quarters for men and women.

Education

Boys attended school for reading, writing, arithmetic, music, and sports, while girls learned skills at home or from private tutors.

Slavery

Over a third of the Greek population were slaves, with roles like cooking, cleaning, tutoring, and working in various fields.

Science & Technology in Ancient Greece

Notable figures like Pythagoras, Euclid, Archimedes, and Eratosthenes made significant advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.

Greek Philosophy

Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle contributed to ideas about virtue, the realm of ideas, and the duty to care for one's soul.

The Peloponnesian War

Conflict between Athens and Sparta, with the Delian League, Spartan response, and consequences leading to Athens losing its power and wealth.

Alexander the Great

Macedonian king who conquered vast territories, including Greece, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia, with his legacy marked by cultural diffusion and the Hellenistic period.