Ancient Greece Vocabulary

colony

a settlement in a distant place that maintains ties with its homeland

peninsula

a body of land with water on 3 sides

Agora

a public open space used for assemblies and markets in ancient Greece

oligarchy

a form of government in which a small group of aristocrats rule

direct democracy

a form of government in which ALL citizens must participate in politics and must vote on all decisions

representative democracy

a form of government in which citizens elect representatives who represent them and vote on decisions

Sparta

1) Sparta focused on military and military training

2) Female Spartans had power and respect

3) Functioned under an oligarchy

Athens

1. Is known for the birth place of democracy

2. Influential in the fields of arts, philosophy, and sciences

3. Great industry and business

monarchy

a form of government in which the ruling power is held by one person, usually a king

aristocrat

a member of the most powerful and wealthy class in ancient Greek society

tyranny

a form of government in which power is held by one man, a tyrant, who holds power illegally

Zeus

king of the gods of Mt. Olympus

Hera

queen of the gods; wife of Zeus

Olympic Games

athletic competitions that were part of a religious festival honoring Zeus

citizen

a member of a democracy who has certain rights and responsibilities

Socrates

1) Socrates was a Greek philosopher from Athens who was one of the founders of Western Philosophy.

2) He made a huge impact on the world of philosophy.

3) Was accused to corrupting the youth and was sentenced to death with poison

Pericles

He was a Athenian statesman who was largely responsible for democracy His political advancements made Athens the legislative center of Greece. Pericles died of a horrible plague that wiped out a quarter of Athens.