Greek Society and Political Life

Polis

A Greek city-state understood as both a community of citizens and its urban and territorial setting. A polis included the city center and surrounding countryside.

Acropolis

The elevated or fortified area of a Greek city, often containing important temples and sanctuaries. The world literally means “high city”

Agora

A central civic space used for markets, assemblies, legal activities, monuments, and social interaction

Demos

“The people”. Depending on context, it can mean the citizen body, the common people, or a local district

Democracy

literally “rule by the people”. In Classical Athens, eligible adult male citizens participated directly, while women, enslaved people, and resident foreigners were excluded from citizenship

Oligarchy

Government controlled by a relatively small and privileged group.

Tyrant

In archaic Greek usage, a ruler who gained power outside the traditional constitutional or hereditary system. The term did not originally mean only a cruel or oppressive ruler.

Citizen

A legally recognized member of a polis with particular political, military, religious, and legal rights and responsibilities. Greek citizenship was highly restricted and excluded women and children.

Oikos

The household as a social and economic unit, including family members, property, dependents, and enslaved people

Symposium

A structured drinking gathering, usually for elite men, involving diluted wine, conversation, music, poetry, games, and entertainment

Gymnasium

A place for physical training, education, and elite social interaction. Athletic exercise was commonly preformed nude

Hoplitē

A heavily armed infantry soldier who typically fought with a large round shield, spear, helmet, and body armor.