Unit 1: Essential Terms Flashcards
Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece refers to the period from roughly 800 BCE to 146 BCE, during which Greek city-states like Athens and Sparta flourished. Known for its advances in philosophy, politics, art, and science, this civilization laid the foundation for Western culture. Key events include the rise of democracy in Athens, the Persian Wars, and the conquests of Alexander the Great.
Archaeology
Archaeology is the study of past human societies through material remains such as artifacts, structures, and bones. In the context of ancient Greece, archaeology helps reconstruct Greek culture, beliefs, and daily life, uncovering sites like the Acropolis and ancient Troy. This field emerged formally in the 19th century, aiding historians in piecing together ancient societies.
Classcist
A classicist is a scholar specializing in the study of ancient Greek and Roman cultures, languages, and literatures. This discipline often involves interpreting ancient texts, art, and artifacts to understand these civilizations. Classicists have shaped our knowledge of ancient Greece by translating works and analyzing cultural impacts on modern society.
Heinrich Schliemann
Heinrich Schliemann (1822–1890) was a German archaeologist who famously excavated sites like Troy and Mycenae, aiming to prove that Homer’s Iliad depicted real locations. Although his methods were controversial, Schliemann’s work significantly contributed to the field of archaeology and increased interest in ancient Greek history.
History
History is the study of past events, often involving written records and analysis of societies over time. Greek historians like Herodotus (484–425 BCE) and Thucydides (460–400 BCE) laid the foundations for historical writing, emphasizing causality and human agency in events. Ancient Greece’s history reveals insights into early forms of government, philosophy, and culture.
Primary Sources
Primary sources are original, firsthand accounts or evidence from a specific period, such as texts, artifacts, or artworks. For ancient Greece, primary sources include works like Homer’s Iliad, government decrees, and pottery. They provide direct insight into Greek culture, beliefs, and social structure.
Secondary Sources
Secondary sources are analyses or interpretations of primary sources, created by scholars or historians after the fact. They help contextualize and interpret primary sources, offering insights based on broader research. Examples include modern histories of ancient Greece or scholarly articles analyzing Greek art.
