Ancient Greece Key Terms

Polis

• Greek word for "city-state"

• A time period marked by great achievements

Classical

• rich landowners

• A time period marked by great achievements

Acropolis

• A strong fortress atop a high hill, surrounded by the polis

• Most famous lyric poet

Democracy

• A leader who held power through the use of force

• A type of government in which people rule themselves

Aristocrats

• people who had the right to participate in government

• Rich landowners

Oligarchy

• A government in which only a few people have power

• Most famous poet

Citizens

• People who have the right to participate in government

• A type of government in which people rule themselves

Tyrant

• A time period marked by great achievements

• A leader who held power through the use of force

Pericles

• A brilliant elected leader who led the government until his death in 429BC

• People who have right to participate in government

Mythology

• A strong fortress atop a high hill

• A collection of myths about gods and heroes that try to explain how the world works