1. Chapter 4 Vocabulary Terms
The Ancient Greeks

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

8. Satrap – A name given to the Persian ruler which meant “protector of the kingdom”.
Zoroastranism – 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.

9. Mythology: A body of stories about gods and heroes that try to explain how the world works.
22. Fables: Short stories that teach the reader lessons about life or give advice on how to live.
23. Citizens: People who have the right to participate in government
24. Aristocrats: Rich landowners
25. Classical: Time period marked by great achievements.