Greek Polis Vocabulary

A government in which a hereditary/royal ruler exercises central power.

• Oligarchy

• Aristocracy

• Monarchy

• Democracy

A government that is ruled by a hereditary/noble landholding elite.

• Rebublic

• Aristocracy

• Oligarchy

• Autocracy

A form of government in which the power is in the hands of a small, wealthy elite.

• Oligarchy

• Democracy

• Theocracy

• Republic

A government where the majority of power is held by the people.

• Theocracy

• Autocracy

• Pestocracy

• Democracy

This city-state was known for its emphasis on strict discipline and military prowess.

• Athens

• Sparta

• Greece

• Laconia

This city state was known for glorifying the individual and extending political rights to more citizens.

• Corinth

• Persia

• Athens

• Thebes

This is what the Greeks called their city-states.

• Townships

• Polis

• Provinces

• Feudal States

A massive tactical formation of heavily armed foot soldiers. The harsh drills created as sense of unity among citizen-soldiers.

• Phalanx

• Shield wall

• Stop, drop, and roll

• Pantheon

The high cities of the polis, with great marble temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses.

• Ziggurats

• Altars

• Colosseum

• Acropolis

A law-making body that debated laws before deciding to approve or reject them. Originated from Athens.

• Legislature

• Judiciary

• Representatives

• Assembly