Ancient Greece: Early Civilizations, Culture, and City-States

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering early Greek civilizations, mythology, the Dark Ages, and city-state political structures.

Minoans

An early civilization located on the island of Crete that flourished around 2,000 BC, known for trading olive oil and pottery with the Egyptians and establishing their capital at Knossos.

Frescoes

Artworks created by painting directly onto plaster, found displaying wealth and achievement within the palace at Knossos.

Knossos

The capital city of the Minoan civilization featuring an elaborate palace with hundreds of rooms, bathtubs, flush toilets, pottery, carvings, and frescoes.

Mycenaeans

A northern mainland Greek military culture that borrowed commerce and building styles from the Minoans, expanded trade through raids and piracy, and went to war against Troy.

Hellespont

The strait separating Asia Minor from Europe, located directly across from the legendary city of Troy.

Trojan War

A legendary ten-year conflict between the Mycenaeans and the city of Troy that ended after the Mycenaeans breached the city using a wooden horse.

Dorians

Invaders from the north who conquered Mycenae around 1200 BC, ushering in the Greek Dark Ages.

Greek Dark Ages

The historical era from 1150 to 750 BC, also known as the Homeric Age, marked by ruined fortresses, population migration to rural areas, and cultural isolation.

Homer

The blind poet who authored the epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey, which preserved Greek values of dignity, strength, valor, bravery, generosity, and wisdom.

Mount Olympus

The mountain dwelling where the Greeks believed the 12 chief gods and goddesses lived.

Anthropomorphic

The characteristic of having human form and attributes, displayed by Greek deities who possessed great power yet exhibited human sins and emotions.

Olympic Games

Physical athletic contests held every four years at the site of the Temple of Zeus to honor the king of the gods.

Olympiad

The four-year interval between Olympic Games, utilized by the ancient Greeks as a standard system for dating historical events.

Polis

The basic political unit of Greece, typically built at the base of a hill with a fortified stronghold constructed at the top.

Monarchy

A system of government found in Greek city-states defined by the centralized rule of a single king.

Oligarchy

A form of governance in Greek city-states in which authority is held by a small council of nobles.

Tyranny

A government structure where one individual seizes complete control and governs by force.

Democracy

A governmental system established in Greek city-states where power is exercised by the people.