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Study Guide Chapter 4: Ancient Greece Study Guide
Key Terms:
1. Polis – the Greek word for city-state
2. Acropolis – a fortified area on top of a hill. It served as a place of refuge(protection) during attack. The
acropolis also served as a religious center
3. Agora – an open area below the acropolis that would serve as a market and as a gathering area
4. Hoplites – heavily armed infantry soldiers
5. Phalanx – shoulder to shoulder fighting formation that forms a wall of shields
6. Helots – captured people who were forced to become serfs
7. Ephors – In Sparta, five elected men who were in charge of the education of the youth
8. Direct Democracy – every citizen directly participates in government decision making. Everyone votes
on every issue.
9. Ostracism – the process of banning someone who is corrupt or harmful from the city for 10 years.
10. Delian League – the defensive alliance against Persia, formed by Athens and it allies.
11. Age of Pericles – the period of classical Athenian and Greek history that saw the height of Athenian
power and brilliance. The period where Athens most flourished in Ancient Greece, under the rule of
Pericles.
12. Oligarchy – rule by the few. Sparta was an oligarchy, ruled by kings, ephors and a council of elders.
13. Democracy – government by the people, or rule by the many. Athens was a democracy.
14. Tyrant – rulers who seized power by force, taking it away from the ruling aristocrats.
People & Places:
1. Minoan – early civilization, skilled at pottery. They were not considered part of Greek culture. They
were pre-Greek.
2. Mycenaean – considered to be the first Greek state, or civilization.
3. Sparta – Greek city state that had a very strong army. Young boys started military training around the
age of 8.
4. Athens – Greek city-state known for its navy and for having democracy as it’s government.
5. Solon – Cancelled all the land debts and freed people who were enslaved by their debts.
6. Cleisthenes – created the Council of 500 and laid the foundation for Athenian Democracy
7. Persia – An expanding power to the east of Greece. As they expanded west and Greece expanded east,
they collided, and fought wars.
8. Darius – leader of Persia who overtook the Ionian Greek cities. Vowed revenge against Athens, but
never conquered them.
9. Xerxes – Son of Darius. Tried to avenge his father by defeating Athens and fighting Persian Wars
against Greece. He did not succeed.
10. Pericles – brought direct democracy to Athens. Died in the plague during the Peloponnesian Wars.
11. Thebes – a third city-state, besides Athens and Sparta, that tried to take power after the Peloponnesian
War.
Concepts:
-The impact of geography on the development of Greek culture
The mountains and the sea affected the development of Greek culture. By using the sea, they could trade
with other countries and spread ideas. By being secluded in the mountains, they could not be invaded and
developed their own cultures without influence from the outside world.
-Mycenaean’s and Minoans
Two influential cultures in early Greek history. Both skilled in pottery, though the Mycenaean’s were skilled
in the military as well. Minoans were considered pre-Greek, while the Mycenaean’s were considered the
first true Greek state.
-Organization of the Greek city-state
The acropolis was at the top of the hill, while the agora was at the bottom. People lived in the areas
surrounding the acropolis.
-Sparta & Athens
Two major Greek city-states. Sparta was known for its strong army and military lifestyle. Athens was more
artistic and brought democracy to Greece. Athens also had a very strong navy.
-Trouble with Persia
Persia, led by Darius, put down the Ionian revolt. Darius vowed revenge against Athens for helping the
Ionians. So he focused his military on Athens.
-The Persian Wars
Xerxes leads his Persian Army against Greece. He defeats the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae, but is
eventually defeated in the battle of Salamis by Athens.
-The Athenian Empire
Athens forms the Delian League as an alliance against the threat of future Persian invasion. When the
threat of Persia is gone, the League becomes the Athenian Empire, and is moved to Athens.
-The Peloponnesian War
The Peloponnesian War is fought between the Delian League, led by Athens and the Peloponnesian League,
led by Sparta. Sparta will eventually defeat Athens, but the war lasts 25 years. Plague breaks out inside the
city walls of Athens and kills 1/3rd of the population, including Pericles. This war leaves all the Greek citystates blind to the rising threat of Macedonia.
Sample Questions
- How were the Greeks able to defeat the mighty Persian Empire?
The Greeks were finally able to defeat the Persians by unifying their forces. After the Athenians
defeated the Persians at the Battle of Salamis, the unified Greek army ended the threat from
Persia at the Battle of Plataea.
- Describe the Spartans warfare tactics. What factors allowed them to be successful in
battle.
The Spartans fought in the phalanx formation. They fought shoulder to shoulder in rows. Each
man carried a round shield and a spear. They were successful in battle because of their society.
Spartans are trained for battle since the age of 7, so they are highly disciplined. Also, dying in
battle in an honor for them, so there is no fear of death. At the Battle of Thermopylae, the
Spartans used a geographic advantage to hold off the much larger Persian army for days
before they were finally defeated.
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You are responsible for all the notes we covered in class and for your homework.