Classical Greek

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Democracy

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A system where citizens have the power to make decisions, often through voting for representatives. Athenian democracy required all male citizens to participate directly in governing the city-state.

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Polis

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A Greek city-state; an independent community including the city and surrounding territory. Each polis, like Sparta or Athens, had its own unique laws, culture, and government.

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Oligarchy

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A form of government where only a small group of wealthy and powerful people hold control. Some Greek city-states were ruled by an oligarchy of rich landowners instead of a democracy.

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Hellenistic Culture

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Culture created by Alexander the Great. Combines ideas from Persia, Egypt, Greece and India. The student researched the Hellenic achievements in philosophy and architecture from the Golden Age.

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Acropolis

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A fortified citadel built upon a prominent hill, especially the one in Athens. The Parthenon sits atop the Athenian Acropolis, overlooking the entire city.

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Philosophy

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The study of fundamental truths about existence, knowledge, values, and reason. Socrates advanced the field of philosophy by asking profound questions about how people should live.

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Citizen

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A legally recognized inhabitant of a city or state with specific rights and responsibilities. Only free-born males could be considered a full citizen of Athens, with the right to vote.

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Tragedy

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A serious drama dealing with profound suffering and the downfall of a heroic character. Sophocles wrote famous tragedy plays exploring fate, justice, and human conflict.