Key Term Quiz GKROMST

Minoan

A Bronze Age civilization on Crete, known for advanced palatial architecture, maritime trade, and early writing systems (Linear A), flourishing from c. 3000–1450 BCE.

Mycenaean

A Greek-speaking warrior society known for palace-states, Linear B script, and connections to the Homeric epics, flourishing in mainland Greece from c. 1600–1100 BCE.

Linear A

Undeciphered writing system used by Minoans for administrative purposes, suggesting a complex economy and governance, circa 2000 BCE.

Linear B

Early Greek script used by Mycenaeans for record-keeping, the first known written form of Greek, dating from c. 1450–1200 BCE.

Wanax

The Mycenaean term for a king or supreme ruler, indicating a hierarchical political structure, in use between c. 1600–1100 BCE.

Thassocrassy

Dominance over the seas, often associated with Minoans during their height from c. 2000–1450 BCE, highlighting naval power's importance.

Epigraphy

The study of ancient inscriptions on materials like stone or metal, crucial for reconstructing historical records, with notable practices beginning in the 1st millennium BCE.

Greek Dark Age

Period (c. 1100–800 BCE) marked by population decline and loss of writing, yet oral traditions helped preserve Greek cultural identity.

Megaron

The central hall of Mycenaean palaces, influential from c. 1600–1100 BCE, impacting later Greek temple design.

Lefkandi

A site on Euboea indicating elite burials during the Dark Age (c. 1100–800 BCE), suggesting some elite continuity.

Phoenician Alphabet

A writing system adapted by the Greeks in the 9th century BCE (c. 800 BCE) that formed the basis of the Greek alphabet.

Nestor’s Cup

A cup inscribed with one of the earliest Greek texts, dating around 750 BCE, demonstrating early literacy and Homeric cultural reach.

Homer

Greek poet credited with The Iliad and The Odyssey, shaping Greek identity and historical memory in the 8th century BCE.

Polis

The central political units of ancient Greece (from 8th century BCE), forming the framework for Greek society and governance.

Basileus

Term for 'king' in early Greece, reflective of the transition from monarchy to more democratic forms during the 8th century BCE.

Hoplite

Heavily armed Greek infantry soldier who fought in a phalanx formation, emerging in the 7th century BCE and shifting military power.

Synocism

Process of unifying smaller settlements into a single polis, crucial for city-state development emerging in the 8th century BCE.

Olympia

Religious sanctuary of Zeus and site of the Olympic Games, fostering Panhellenic identity, established in c. 776 BCE.

Hesiod

Poet of Theogony, active in the 8th century BCE, shaping Greek moral and mythological understanding through his works.

Lycurgan reforms

A set of reforms in Sparta attributed to Lycurgus (c. 800–600 BCE) that established a rigid military-focused society.

Perioikoi

Non-citizen free inhabitants of Sparta engaged in trade, a status evolving during the 7th century BCE.

Helots

Enslaved people in Sparta who worked the land, crucial for Sparta’s military society from the 8th century BCE onwards.

Homoloi or Spartiates

Full Spartan citizens trained as professional soldiers, embodying Sparta's ethos from c. 700 BCE.

Syssitia

Mandatory communal meals among Spartan warriors, reinforcing discipline and equality, established by the 7th century BCE.

Agoge

The state-run education system for Spartan boys, focusing on discipline and warfare training, formed in the 7th century BCE.

Peloponnesian League

A Spartan-led alliance formed in the 6th century BCE as a major military coalition, crucial in subsequent conflicts.

Law of Solon

A series of reforms by Solon (c. 594 BCE) to address economic disparity in Athens, laying the democratic foundation.

Archons

Chief magistrates of Athens, playing a key role in governance from the 7th century BCE.

Council of 400

Political body created by Solon around 594 BCE to prepare legislation for the assembly.

Pisistratus

A tyrant who seized control of Athens in 561 BCE and strengthened its economy and democracy.

Harmodius and Aristogeiton

Tyrannicides who assassinated the brother of Hippias in 514 BCE, symbols of Athenian democracy.

Cleisthenic Reforms

Political reforms by Cleisthenes (c. 508-507 BCE) reorganizing Athens into tribes, increasing citizen participation.

Council of 500

A council in Athens responsible for administrative functions, enhancing democracy, established c. 507 BCE.

Demokratia

Greek term for democracy, meaning 'rule by the people,' exemplified by Athenian governance by the 5th century BCE.

Ostracism

Political process allowing citizens to exile public figures from the 5th century BCE onward, preventing tyranny.

Zoroastrianism

Religion of the Persian Empire based on the teachings of Zoroaster, emerging in the 6th century BCE.

Ionian Revolt

A rebellion of Greek city-states against Persian rule (c. 499-494 BCE), triggering the Persian Wars.

Marathon

Battle in 490 BCE where Athens secured a decisive victory against Persia.

Xerxes

Persian king who led the second invasion of Greece in 480 BCE, associated with the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis.

Themistocles

Athenian politician advocating for naval power, pivotal for victories against Persia around 480 BCE.

Battle of Thermopylae

A legendary battle in 480 BCE where 300 Spartans defended against Xerxes’ army.

Delian League

An alliance led by Athens to defend against Persia, formed in 478 BCE, evolving into an Athenian empire.

Pericles

Influential Athenian statesman (c. 495-429 BCE) who expanded democracy and oversaw the Parthenon’s construction.

Strategos

Title for Athenian military generals, providing political and military influence from the 5th century BCE.

Peace of Callias

Treaty between Athens and Persia (c. 449 BCE) ending major threats.

Parthenon

Temple in Athens dedicated to Athena, constructed between 447-432 BCE, symbolizing wealth and cultural achievement.

Long Walls

Fortifications connecting Athens to its port, crucial during sieges in the 5th century BCE.

Thirty Years’ Peace

A truce established in 421 BCE between Athens and Sparta, pausing hostilities before the Peloponnesian War.

Thucydides

Historian of the Peloponnesian War, active in the 5th century BCE, providing a critical account of Greek history.

Revolt of Mytilene

A failed rebellion against Athenian rule in 428 BCE, leading to harsh repercussions.

Plague of Athens

Devastating plague during the Peloponnesian War (c. 430-426 BCE) that weakened Athens.

Peace of Nicias

Temporary peace treaty between Athens and Sparta (421 BCE), ineffective in maintaining stability.

Alcibiades

Controversial Athenian general active during the Peloponnesian War, influencing the course of events in the late 5th century BCE.

Sicilian Expedition

Disastrous Athenian military campaign against Syracuse (415-413 BCE), leading to Athens’ downfall.

The Four Hundred

Oligarchic coup in Athens during the Peloponnesian War (411 BCE), reflecting instability.

Battle of Arginusae

Naval victory for Athens in 406 BCE, followed by execution of generals, weakening leadership.

Battle of Aegospotami

Decisive Spartan victory in 405 BCE that ended the Peloponnesian War.

Thirty Tyrants

Oligarchic regime imposed by Sparta in Athens after the Peloponnesian War (404-403 BCE).

Socrates

Classical Greek philosopher executed in 399 BCE, raising tensions in Athenian society.

Xenophon

Greek historian (c. 430-354 BCE) whose works offer insights into Greek and Persian history.

Artaxerxes II

King of Persia faced with internal rebellions and Greek conflicts during his reign (c. 404-358 BCE).

The King’s Peace

Treaty imposed by Persia in 387 BCE to end Greek conflicts, reducing autonomy.

Sacred Band of Thebes

Elite military unit crucial to Thebes' rise to power in the 4th century BCE.

Battle of Leuctra

Battle in 371 BCE where Thebes defeated Sparta, ending Spartan dominance.

Battle of Mantinea

Conflict in 362 BCE between Thebes and Sparta that weakened all Greek states.

Philip II of Macedon

King of Macedon (r. 359-336 BCE) who reformed the army and paved the way for Alexander the Great.

Delphic Amphictyony

Religious alliance controlling the Delphic sanctuary, used by Philip II for justification, active in the 4th century BCE.

Isocrates

Athenian rhetorician (436-338 BCE) promoting Greek unity and advocating for Philip II's leadership.

Demosthenes

Athenian orator (384-322 BCE) who warned against Macedonian expansion during Philip II's rise.

Hellenism

The spread of Greek culture through Alexander’s conquests (336-323 BCE), blending traditions.

Battle of Chaeronea

Decisive battle in 338 BCE where Philip II defeated Greek forces, ending their independence.

Alexander the Great

Macedonian king (356-323 BCE) who created a vast empire and spread Greek culture.

Darius III

Last king of Persia defeated by Alexander in 330 BCE, marking the empire's fall.

Zeus Ammon

Syncretic deity combining Zeus and Egyptian Amun, reinforcing Alexander's legitimacy, prevalent in the 4th century BCE.

Battle of Gaugamela

Decisive battle in 331 BCE where Alexander defeated Darius III, leading to Persia’s fall.

Syncretism

Blending of different religious and cultural traditions, significant in Hellenistic culture from the 4th century BCE.

Proskynesis

Persian court practice of bowing to rulers, controversial in the Greek context, emerging in the 4th century BCE.

River Hyphasis

Easternmost point reached by Alexander’s army in India in 326 BCE, marking conquest limits.

Antigonid Macedon

Macedonian kingdom ruled by Antigonus' descendants after Alexander's death, part of Hellenistic successor states.

Seleucid Asia

Largest Hellenistic kingdom controlled by Seleucus, spreading Greek influence from the 3rd century BCE.

Ptolemaic Egypt

Hellenistic kingdom in Egypt ruled by the Ptolemies, established in 305 BCE, known for Alexandria's establishment.