Ancient Greek Terms

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Acropolis

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A fortified hilltop in an ancient Greek city

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Assembly

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A group of citizens, in an ancient Greek democracy, with the power to pass laws

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Boule

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Council of 500 who chose issues for the Athenian assembly to vote on

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Council of Elders

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A small group of Spartans who made all the important governing decisions

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City-state (polis)

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A city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state.

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Citizen/citizenship

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A person who has the right to take part in government

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Direct Democracy

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A form of government in which citizens rule directly and not through representatives

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Ecclesia

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Assembly of the citizens in city-states of ancient Greece

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Helots

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Farmers in Spartan territories, forced to farm their land and turn over their products to their Spartan overlords

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Hoplites

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A heavily armed foot soldier of ancient Greece