Ancient Greece study guide

Minoans/Mycenaeans

Minoans: lived on Crete, known for sea trade. Mycenaeans: mainland Greeks known for warrior culture.

City-state

An independent city and its surrounding territory with its own government.

Polis

Greek word for city-state.

Acropolis

A high, fortified area of a Greek city, often containing temples.

Agora

A public marketplace and gathering place.

Spartan war training

The agoge: strict military training for Spartan boys starting around age seven.

Mt. Olympus/Greek Gods

Mount Olympus was believed to be home of gods like Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and Athena.

First Democracy/Modern connections to our government

Athenian direct democracy began developing around 508 BCE. Modern democracy shares citizen participation but often uses elected representatives.

Persian Wars

Wars between Greece and Persia; Greek victories helped protect Greek independence.

Marathon

In 490 BCE, Athens defeated a Persian invasion force at Marathon.

Pericles

Athenian leader who supported democracy, arts, and the construction of the Parthenon.

Peloponnesian War

431–404 BCE war between Athens and Sparta; Sparta won.

Socrates

Greek philosopher known for questioning people to examine their beliefs.

Plato

Socrates' student; founded the Academy and wrote philosophical dialogues.

Aristotle

Plato's student; philosopher who studied science, logic, ethics, and politics.