World Civ Study Guide 3.o

Minoans vs. Mycenaeans

Minoans were an early Aegean bronze-age sea-trading civilization on Crete known for Knossos; Mycenaeans were militaristic mainland Greeks who succeeded them and inspired Homeric legends.

City-state

An independent, self-governing urban center and its surrounding territory that functioned as a sovereign nation due to Greece's mountainous geography.

Polis

The ancient Greek word for a city-state, which served as the fundamental political, social, and cultural unit of Greek civilization.

Acropolis

A fortified, elevated hilltop located in a Greek city-state that served as a military stronghold and sacred center for major temples (e.g., the Parthenon in Athens).

Agora

An open central public space in ancient Greek city-states used as a vibrant marketplace and a gathering spot for civic discussions and politics.

Spartan War Training (Agoge)

A brutal, state-mandated military education system beginning at age 7 that trained Spartan boys in extreme discipline, survival, weapons mastery, and combat endurance.

Mt. Olympus / Greek Gods

Mt. Olympus was viewed as the heavenly home of the 12 main Olympian deities (e.g., Zeus, Athena, Poseidon), whose mythologies explained natural forces and human behaviors.

First Democracy & Modern Connections

Established in Athens, introducing direct civic voting, trial by jury, and citizenship duties; served as a primary model for modern representative governments (e.g., three branches, civic participation).

Persian Wars

A series of conflicts (499–449 BCE) where allied Greek city-states united to defeat invading Persian forces, preserving Greek independence and initiating Athens' Golden Age.

Battle of Marathon

A legendary 490 BCE battle where Athenian forces unexpectedly defeated the first Persian invasion; legendary messenger Pheidippides ran to Athens to announce victory, inspiring the modern marathon.

Pericles

A prominent Athenian statesman during Athens' Golden Age who expanded direct democracy, paid public officials, commissioned the Parthenon, and led Athens early in the Peloponnesian War.

Peloponnesian War

A destructive conflict (431–404 BCE) between the Delian League (led by Athens) and the Peloponnesian League (led by Sparta) that ended Athenian power and left Greece weakened.

Socrates

A foundational Athenian philosopher who developed the Socratic Method (question-and-answer inquiry) and was executed for allegedly corrupting youth and challenging traditional gods.

Plato

A student of Socrates who founded the Academy in Athens and wrote *The Republic*, advocating for an ideal society ruled by philosopher-kings.

Aristotle

A student of Plato and tutor to Alexander the Great who developed formal logic, emphasized empirical observation/science, and argued for a balanced "Golden Mean."

Alexander the Great

King of Macedon who conquered the Persian Empire and expanded his territories to India, creating one of history's largest empires and spreading Greek culture.

Hellenistic Era

The period following Alexander the Great's death marked by the blending and spread of Greek (Hellenic), Persian, Egyptian, and Indian cultural practices, art, and scientific thought.