Important Terms Flashcards
Polis
The Greek city-state, the fundamental political unit of Ancient Greece.
Democracy
Athenian system of government where citizens participated in decision-making.
Oligarchy
Rule by a few, as seen in Sparta.
Hoplite
Heavily armed Greek infantry soldier.
Phalanx
Military formation of hoplites, key to Greek warfare.
The Persian Wars
Conflicts between Greece and Persia (499–449 BCE) that shaped Greek identity.
The Peloponnesian War
War between Athens and Sparta (431–404 BCE) that weakened Greece.
Delian League
Athenian-led alliance against Persia, later used to build Athenian power.
Spartan Agoge
The rigorous training system that shaped Spartan warriors.
The Sophists
Traveling teachers who challenged traditional values with rhetoric and relativism.
Socrates
A philosopher who questioned Athenian values, leading to his trial and execution.
Plato’s Republic
Philosophical work outlining the ideal state and the theory of Forms.
Aristotle’s Ethics & Politics
His views on virtue, governance, and the “political animal”
Alexander the Great
Conqueror who spread Greek culture across the known world.
Hellenistic Kingdoms
he states formed after Alexander’s death, blending Greek and Eastern influences.
