Ancient Greece – Vocabulary
1. Assembly- A law making body of government made up of a
group of citizens.
2. Acropolis- A large hill in Ancient Greece where city
residents sought shelter and safety in times of war and met to
discuss community affairs.
3. Agora- A central area in Greek cities used both as a market
place and as a meeting place.
4. Citizen- A person with certain rights and responsibilities in
his or her country or community.
5. Colony- A territory or community that is under control of
another country.
6. Democracy- A system of government in which citizens vote
to make governmental decisions.
7. Harbor- A sheltered place along a coast used to protect boats
and ships.
8. Jury- A group of citizens chosen to hear evidence and make
decisions in a court of law.
9. Monarchy- A government ruled by a king or queen.
10.
Oligarchy- A type of government in which a small
group of citizens control decision making.
11.
Oracle Bones- In Ancient China, a cattle or sheep bone
used to predict the future.
12.
Peloponnesian War- A war fought between Athens
and Sparta in the 400’s B.C. ending in victory for Sparta.
13.
Philosophy- The study of or search for truth, wisdom,
and the right way to live.
14.
Peninsula- An area of land almost entirely surrounded
by water.
15.
Polis- A city-state in Ancient Greece.
Vocabulary Ancient Greece – People
1. Alexander the Great- King of Macedonia who conquered
Greece, Persia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley. His conquests
spread Greek culture throughout parts of three continents.
2. Aristotle- Greek philosopher who was the private teacher of
Alexander the Great.
3. Homer- 700’s B.C. Ancient Greek poet.
4. Pericles- Athenian general who led Athens during the war
with Sparta. He made sure that the poor as well as the rich
citizens could take part in government.
5. Plato- 428-347 B.C. Greek philosopher and student of
Socrates.
6. Socrates- 470-399 B.C. Greek philosopher who discussed
laws, customs, values, and religion with students. He was
accused of urging young people to revolt, he was sentenced
to death.