Greece Flashcards
Peninsula
A piece of land surrounded by water on 3 sides.
What is an Isthmus?
An Isthmus is a strip of land that connects 2 landmasses. The Isthmus connected the Peloponnesus to mainland Greece.
Peloponnesus
Southern Peninsula of Greece, attached to the mainland by the Isthmus Corinth.
How did the geography of Greece affect its development?
Most of Greece is covered in mountains. Greece is made up of many islands. Mainland Greece and the Peloponnesus are two large Peninsulas. This meant that the Greek city-states were geographically isolated from one another so they developed independently and were not united. Greece also did not have a lot of farmland, so were only able to grow olives and grapes. They founded colonies, and traded olive oil and wine to get the resources they needed.
Who were the early Greeks? How did the early Greeks influence the development of Ancient Greece?
The Minoans and the Mycenaean’s were the two earliest Greek civilizations. The Mycenaean’s influenced the development of Ancient Greece because they were excellent traders and shipbuilders.
Aristocracy
An upper class that is richer and more powerful than the rest of society.
What is a citizen? What are a citizen’s responsibilities? What are some government responsibilities to a citizen?
In ancient Athens, citizens were men over the age of 17 or 18, born in Athens, to Athenian parents…. regularly attended the assembly to vote on all issues, from making laws to declaring war. Citizens were aloud to speak and debate at the assembly as well as vote. Also, citizens had to respect the city-state of Athens, and be willing to fight and defend their city.
Describe 4 basic forms of government (Monarchy, Oligarchy, Tyranny, and Democracy)
Monarchy- One person (king) rules. Position is passed down to the eldest son. Monarch as absolute power.
Oligarchy- Government ruled by a group (2 or more) of wealthy people. Power is passed to the eldest son. Can be harsh rulers.
Tyranny- One person rules usually took power illegally and usually by force. Sometimes gave the poor few rights.
Democracy- Majority of citizens (free men-rich and poor) make decisions on every issue. Developed in Athens.
Helots
A state-owned slave that was part of the lowest class of Ancient Greek society.
Describe Spartan Society
Sparta’s goal was to create a strong military. Life in Sparta was simple and anti-intellectual. Women had more rights that in other city-states, for example, they could own land and went to school for dancing, singing and gymnastics.
Describe Athenian Society
Athens goal was to raise good citizens who were capable of taking part in the democratic government. Life in Athens was luxurious and based on love of the arts and education. Women were expected to stay home and be good wives and mothers.
What are differences between Athens and Sparta?
Athens had a democracy, women ran households, loved education and the arts, boys trained to be good citizens, trade economy, strong navy, and lived 4 miles from the sea. Sparta had an Oligarchy, women could own property/had more rights, focused on their army, boys trained to become good warriors/soldiers, farming economy, strong army, and on the Peloponnesus.
What were the causes of the Peloponnesian War? Who fought during this war?
The war was between Athens and the Delian League and Sparta’s Peloponnesian League. The causes of the war were that Athens became dominant- they demanded money from other city-states for rebuilding Athens and strengthening their military. Rivalry between Athens and Sparta, caused by their differences led them to disliking each other. Both city-states wanted to be the most powerful in Greece.
Hellenistic Culture (Age)
The time after Alexander The Great’s death when the Greek language and the Greek culture spread throughout eastern Asia. Was the fusion of Greek, Persian, Egyptian and Indian ideas.
Who was Philip II? Why was he important?
Macedonian king who conquered Greece and was the first to unite Greek city-states under one ruler. He made many advancements in weaponry and military tactics.
