Ancient Greece and Rome Vocabulary

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Oligarchy

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A small group of people having control of a government, country, organization, or institution. Example: Sparta

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Republic

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A form of government in which people elect leaders, called representatives, to stand in for them.

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Democracy

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government where the people have the power to make decisions.

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Monarchy

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A government in which a single person heads the government (king, queen, emperor, pharaoh). Usually a hereditary position.

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Empire

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A large group of territories and people ruled by a single leader or nation. Territories are usually conquered by force.

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Hellenistic

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Refers to the spread of the Greek way of life, including philosophy, politics, language, art, and architecture, mostly through Alexander the Great.

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Christianity

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A monotheistic faith following the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, believed to be the Son of God.

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Philosophy

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Greek: “love of wisdom”; general study of knowledge and the world; usually a systematic way of thinking about how the world works or should work.

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Cultural Diffusion

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The spread of cultural beliefs (religious/ ethnic) and social activities from one group of people to another