click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Ancient Athens
Terms, People & Places
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Commerce | The exchange of goods and services, both locally within city-states and internationally through trade networks, the buying and selling of commodities, and the development of monetary systems and trade routes. |
| Direct Democracy | Citizens participating directly in government decision-making, rather than electing representatives. The Athenian assembly was a key example, where adult male citizens gathered to debate and vote on laws and policy. |
| Drama | Ancient Greek plays that followed a specific structure and explored themes of fate, free will, and human suffering. Greek comedy was distinguished from tragedy by its happy endings and use of comically exaggerated character types. |
| Golden Age | A period of significant cultural and intellectual advancement in ancient Greece, particularly in the city-state of Athens, from roughly 480 to 404 BCE. |
| Hellas/Hellenic | "Hellas" is the ancient Greek word for Greece, while "Hellenic" refers to anything pertaining to Greece, its people, or its culture. |
| Myths | Greek stories about gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters, deeply connected the religion, culture, and daily life of the ancient Greeks. |
| Panathenaic Games | A religious and athletic festival held in Ancient Athens, in honor of the goddess Athena. They were held every four years and featured athletic competitions, religious ceremonies, and cultural events. |
| Reform | The political and social changes which shifted Athens towards a more democratic system. These reforms aimed to reduce the power of the aristocratic elite and empower the citizenry, paving the way for direct democracy. |
| Philosophy/Philosopher | A system of thought focused on understanding the world through reason and logic rather than relying on mythological explanations. A philosopher is a person who studies philosophy. |
| Statesman | An ancient Greek leader in politics and government, often holding public office and known for their wisdom and ability to manage a city-state. |
| Socrates | highly influential Athenian philosopher known for his unconventional approach to education and the pursuit of truth through questioning. He is considered a foundational figure in Western philosophy. |
| Plato | A highly influential philosopher, student of Socrates, and teacher of Aristotle. He explored various topics like ethics, politics, and metaphysics in his philosophical writings. |
| Aristotle | A highly influential philosopher known for his contributions to logic, ethics, politics, and various scientific fields. He is considered one of the most important thinkers in Western intellectual history. |
| Phidias | An ancient Greek sculptor and architect, considered one of the greatest of his time. He is best known for his work on the Parthenon, including the colossal statue of Athena Parthenos within the temple, and for his design of the Statue of Zeus at Olympia. |
| Pericles | Ancient Greek politician and general during the Golden Age of Athens. He was prominent and influential in Ancient Athenian politics, particularly between the Greco-Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War. |
| Olympians | The twelve principal gods and goddesses who were believed to live on Mount Olympus. These deities, including Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and others, played a central role in Greek mythology and were often depicted as having human-like traits and emotions. |
| Apollo | The God associated with music, light, healing, prophecy, and the sun. He is also known for his archery skills and his role in the establishment of civilized order. |
| Athena | The Goddess of wisdom, war, and the crafts. She is one of the Twelve Olympians and is considered the most courageous, resourceful, and wise of the Olympian gods. Athena is also the patron goddess of household crafts, including cooking and sewing. |
| Dionysus | The God of wine, vegetation, fertility, and theater. He was associated with religious ecstasy, ritual madness, and the celebration of nature's abundance. |
| Zeus | The chief deity, the king of the gods, and the god of the sky, lightning, and thunder. He is considered the ruler, protector, and father of both gods and humans. |
| Acropolis | A fortified hill that served as a religious and political center for ancient Athenian civilization. |
| Agora | A central open space that served as a meeting place and market. It was the heart of civic life, where citizens gathered to conduct business, debate important issues, and engage in cultural events. |
| Amphitheater | An open-air structure designed for public performances, primarily plays and theatrical events. It was a semi-circular or circular space with tiered seating, allowing a large audience to watch performances. |
| Long Wall | The fortifications that connected Athens to its ports. These walls, built to secure Athens' supply lines and naval power, were a crucial element of Athenian military strategy. They allowed Athens to withstand attacks and maintain its access to the sea. |
| Mount Olympus | In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was the legendary home of the twelve Olympian gods, including Zeus. The mountain is considered the highest peak in Greece. |
| Oracle | A place or person through which a god was believed to communicate with humans, offering advice or predictions of the future. Oracles were often located at sacred sites or temples and were typically presided over by a priest or priestess. |
| Parthenon | A temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, located on the Acropolis of Athens in Greece. It was constructed between 447 and 432 BC during the reign of Pericles. |