Unit 5: Terms Flashcards
Archaic Age:
The Archaic Age (c. 800–500 BCE) was a period of political, social, and artistic development in Greece, marking the rise of the polis (city-state). It saw colonization, the emergence of tyrannies, the evolution of hoplite warfare, and early democratic reforms. The period also fostered advances in poetry, philosophy, and sculpture, such as kouroi statues.
Gerousia
The gerousia was the Spartan council of elders, composed of 28 men over 60 and the two kings. It served as an advisory body, preparing legislation for the assembly and acting as a supreme court. Members were elected for life and held significant influence in Spartan politics.
Greek Colonies
Between the 8th and 6th centuries BCE, Greek city-states established colonies throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. These colonies helped relieve population pressure, expand trade, and spread Greek culture. Notable settlements included those in Italy, Sicily, and Asia Minor.
Greek Homosexuality
In ancient Greece, homosexuality was often integrated into social and educational institutions, particularly in aristocratic and military settings. In some poleis, relationships between older and younger males played a role in mentorship and training. Views on same-sex relationships varied across regions and periods.
Helot:
Helots were an enslaved class in Sparta, primarily subjugated Messenians, who farmed land for Spartan citizens. They were treated harshly and lived under constant surveillance due to their large population. Sparta relied on them for economic stability while focusing on military dominance.
Hoplite
A hoplite was a heavily armed Greek infantry soldier who fought in the phalanx formation. Equipped with a spear, shield, and armor, hoplites were typically citizen-soldiers who trained for war but were not full-time warriors. Their tactics revolutionized Greek warfare and emphasized discipline and unity.
Kouroi:
Kouroi were large, free-standing statues of young men from the Archaic period. Influenced by Egyptian art, they featured rigid postures and idealized, symmetrical bodies. Over time, they became more naturalistic, marking artistic advancements in Greek sculpture.
Panhellenic Institutions:
These were religious and cultural institutions that united Greeks across city-states, fostering shared identity. They included the Olympic Games, Delphi’s oracle, and festivals like the Pythian and Isthmian Games. Such institutions helped maintain cultural unity despite political fragmentation.
Polis
The polis was the fundamental political unit of ancient Greece, consisting of a city and its surrounding territory. Each polis had its own government, military, and laws, though they shared common religious and cultural traditions. Notable poleis included Athens, Sparta, and Corinth.
Sparta:
Sparta was a militaristic Greek city-state known for its rigid social structure, dual kingship, and disciplined citizen army. The agoge system trained boys for war from a young age, while helots sustained the economy. Unlike Athens, Sparta focused on military strength rather than cultural achievements.
Syssition:
The syssition was a communal dining group in Sparta where male citizens ate together as part of their military and social obligations. Membership was essential for maintaining one’s status, and contributions of food were required. This reinforced Spartan equality and discipline among warriors.
Tyrant:
In Archaic Greece, a tyrant was a ruler who seized power unconstitutionally, often supported by the common people against aristocratic elites. Unlike modern usage, tyrants were not always oppressive and sometimes enacted reforms. Examples include Peisistratos of Athens and Polycrates of Samos.
