Key Figures and Concepts of Ancient Greece

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Bard

A storyteller in ancient Greece who shared myths, legends, and history through spoken word and poetry.

Minoans

An early civilization from the island of Crete known for their advanced architecture and trade; thrived around 2000-1400 BC.

Mycenaeans

A warlike Greek civilization on the mainland that replaced the Minoans and influenced later Greek culture; active around 1600-1100 BC.

Dorians

Greek-speaking invaders from the north who contributed to the fall of the Mycenaeans and began the Greek Dark Age.

Hellenes

The name ancient Greeks used to refer to themselves; united by language, religion, and culture.

Helot

A person forced into serfdom in ancient Sparta; worked the land and served the Spartan state.

Ephor

One of five elected officials in Sparta who helped enforce laws and managed day-to-day government functions.

Solon

An Athenian leader (600s BC) who reformed laws, canceled debts, and expanded citizen participation in government.

Cleisthenes

An Athenian reformer (late 500s BC) called the 'father of democracy' for reorganizing Athens' political structure.

Cyrus

The founder of the Persian Empire (mid-500s BC), known for uniting Persia and showing tolerance to conquered peoples.

Satrap

A provincial governor in the Persian Empire who ruled local areas and collected taxes for the king.

10,000 Immortals

An elite group of Persian soldiers who served as the king's personal guard and symbolized imperial power.

Zoroaster

A Persian religious teacher who founded Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic faith emphasizing the battle between good and evil.

Pericles

A major leader of Athens during its Golden Age (400s BC); promoted democracy and led major building projects like the Parthenon.

Philosopher

A thinker who seeks wisdom; in ancient Greece, philosophers explored questions about life, knowledge, and ethics.

Xerxes

Persian king (son of Darius I) who led the massive invasion of Greece, including the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis.