Chapter 4 Vocabulary Terms The Ancient Greeks

1. peninsula-body of land with water on three sides 2 1. peninsula-body of land with water on three sides 2. colony-settlement in a new territory that keeps close ties to its homeland 3. polis-the early Greek city-state, made up a city and the surrounding countryside and run like an independent country

4. agora-in early Greek city-states, an open area that served as both a market and a meeting place 5. acropolis-a fortified area at the top of a hill 6. tyrant-a person who takes power by force and rules with total authority

7. oligarchy-government in which a small group of people hold power 8. helot-name given by Spartans to a captive worker, comes from the Greek word “capture” 9. slave-a person who can be bought or sold by another person

10. philosopher-thinker who seeks wisdom and ponders questions about life 11. representative democracy-system of government in which citizens choose a smaller group to make laws and govern on their behalf 12. direct democracy-system of government in which people gather at mass meetings to decide on government matters.

Estates – Name for large farms in ancient Greece. 14. Earth Mother – The chief goddess of the ancient Minoans. 15. Dark Age – A time of chaos, war, and very little progress.

Ephors – A person in ancient Greece who enforced laws and managed tax collection. 17. Hoplites – Armies made up of ordinary citizens.

Satrap – A name given to the Persian ruler which meant “protector of the kingdom”. Zoroastrianism – Persian religion based on the belief in one supreme creator of all things who is a force of goodness. 20. Marathon – Famous ancient Greek location that modern day races are named for.