Key Concepts from Greek and Roman History and The Golden Ass

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key historical concepts from Greek and Roman history as well as important plot points from The Golden Ass.

Mycenaean period

Time period in Greece from 1600 to 1200 BCE, marked by the Trojan War.

Dark Ages

Period in Greek history from 1200 to 776 BCE, notable for the first Olympic Games.

Classical Greece

Period from 480 BCE to 336 BCE, ending with Alexander the Great's conquests.

Hellenistic Period

Time from 336 BCE to 30 BCE, characterized by the spread of Greek culture after Alexander's conquests.

Byzantine Period

Starting around 330 CE, marked by Constantine's establishment of Constantinople.

Peloponnesian League

A coalition of Greek city-states led by Sparta during the Persian Wars.

Delian League

A coalition of Greek city-states led by Athens during the Persian Wars.

Father of History

A title often given to Herodotus due to his work in historical writing.

Chi-Rho

A symbol seen by Constantine in a vision, representing Christ.

The Etruscans

People believed to be living in Italy before the founding of Rome.

Ludian Line

Region where the first coins were minted.

Golden Ass

A novel by Apuleius divided into 11 books, chronicling Lucius's transformation and redemption journey.

Isis

Egyptian goddess to whom Lucius prays for help to regain his human form.

Roman Republic

Period from 509 BCE to 27 BCE, known for its government structure and the rise of Augustus.

Roman Empire

Time starting from 27 BCE until the fall of Rome in the West, marked by emperors like Augustus and Diocletian.

Dominate

The later Roman Empire phase that continued until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE.

Battle of Cynoscephalae

A decisive battle in which the Romans defeated the Macedonians.

Lusius

Character in The Golden Ass who is transformed and initiated into the cult of Isis.