Crete
A large island where Greek history began. This is where the Minoans lived.
polis
a Greek city-state
epic
a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
myth
a traditional story which explains things the Greeks didn't understand
democracy
a government where the citizens have a direct say.
Aegean
A branch of the Mediterranean Sea that is located between Greece and Asia Minor.
Xerxes
A Persian king who led the Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae and the Battle of Salamis
Darius
A Persian king who vowed to destroy Athens. He was beaten at Marathon.
Sparta
An ancient Greek polis famous for military power.
Athens
A Greek city-state who focused on art, literature and architecture, had democratic government and a jury.
Macedonians
1st people to conquer Greece under Philip II.
Plato
Socrates' most famous student; described the ideal form of government in his famous book, The Republic
Aristotle
Father of Natural Science. He believed, unlike his teacher Plato, that philosophers could rely on their senses and nature to provide accurate information about the world.
Socrates
Athenian philosopher; usually seen as the father of western philosophy. Taught by asking questions.
Hippocrates
He is considered to be the father of medicine and the ethical standard of treating all patients known as the Hippocratic Oath.
Alexander the Great
King of Macedonia: conqueror of Greek city-states and of the Persian empire from Asia Minor and Egypt to India. He spread the Greek culture.
olympics
Athletic competition held in honor of Zeus
theater
Started as a result of a religious ceremony to honor Dionysius.
Thermopylae
The Persians defeat the Greeks here; it is where the 300 Spartans die
Marathon
Site of the famous battle fought between the armies of Persia and the outnumbered Athenians. Athens was victorious and a messenger was sent to run the 26 miles back to the city with the news.
Salamis
Battle location in the Persian Wars where Persian ships were too large to maneuver and were defeated by the Athenian navy.
oracles
Greeks believed that these people knew the "will of the gods
Delphi
A city that is the location of the most famous oracle in the ancient world.
Mt. Olympus
Mythical home of the highest Greek gods and goddesses
Minoans
A Seafaring and Trading People that Lived on the Island of Crete from about 2000-1400 BC
Minotaur
a mythical monster with the head of a bull and the body of a man killed by Theseus because King Minos demanded children of Athens fed to him
Balkan
peninsula that Greece is on
Hellenic
of or relating to or characteristic of Ancient Greece or the Greeks
Persia
1st empire to attempt a takeover of Greek city-states.
philosophy
the love or study of wisdom
Peloponnesian War
Greek civil war where Sparta leads other city-states against Athens. (due to the bullying of the Athenians) Sparta wins but all Greece is weakened.
Homer
A Greek poet, author of the Iliad and the Odyssey
Delian League
Alliance among Greek city-states to protect against the Persians. Athens led it and Sparta did not join.
acropolis
A hill in the center of Greek city-states that have the main temples on top
Assembly
The law-making body in the Athenian democracy.