chapter 4 vocab ancient civilization

epic poem

a long prom that tells the deeds of a great hero

arete

when a hero strives for excellence; won in a struggle or a contest

polis

the city-state; central focus of Greek life

acropolis

at the top of the hill, the fortified area

agora

an open area that served a s a place where people could assemble and as a market

hoplite

heavily armed infantry soldiers, or foot soldiers; each carried a round shield, a short sword, and a spear

phalanx

hoplites in a rectangular formation, shoulder to shoulder

tyrant

rulers who seized power by force from the aristocrats

democracy

government by the people, or the rule of many

oligarchy

ruled by the few

helot

captured people

ephor

a group of five men that were elected each year and were responsible for the education of youth and the conducted of all citizens

age of pericles

the period of classical Athenian and Greek history; the height of Athenian power and brilliance

direct democracy

when every male citizen participates directly in government decision making through mass meetings

ostracism

to protect against ambitious politicians

ritual

ceremonies or rites

oracle

a sacred shine where a god or goddess revealed the future through a priest of priestess

tragedy

the first Greek dramas; were presented in a trilogy built around a common theme

philosophy

an organized system of throught

Socratic method

socrates’s teaching method; question and answer format to lead pupils to see things for themselves by using their own reason

hellenistic era

Alexander the Great’s era; an age that saw the expansion of the Greek language and ideas to the non-Greek world of the Southwest Asia and beyond

epicureanism

a way/school of thought; defines the highest good as pleasure, achieved not through sensual indulgence, but through ataraxia (tranquility/freedom from fear) and aponia (absence of bodily pain); centered on the ideal of friendship

stoicism

material possession were not necessary in order to be happy; focusing on what is within one’s control, like thoughts, actions, and reactions; logical