Greece The Hellenic Era

AgendaAgenda• Greek government Greek government and societyand society• Review for QuizReview for Quiz

Key VocabularyKey VocabularyPolisPolisAcropolisAcropolisAgoraAgoraMythMythOracleOracleHopliteHopliteAristocracyAristocracyOligarchyOligarchyTyrant/TyrannyTyrant/TyrannyPopular Government/DemocracyPopular Government/Democracy

A.A. Most people were illiterate, so communication Most people were illiterate, so communication was spoken (oral).was spoken (oral).

B.B. Travelling poets sang ballads, folk songs, or Travelling poets sang ballads, folk songs, or epics.epics.

C.C. HomerHomer1.1. Iliad – Iliad – epic poem about the Trojan Warepic poem about the Trojan War2.2. Odyssey – Odyssey – epic poem about Odysseus’ journey epic poem about Odysseus’ journey

after after the Trojan War.the Trojan War.

D. Religion – D. Religion – polytheistic – not focussed on personal polytheistic – not focussed on personal morality.morality.

1.1. Explain natureExplain nature2.2. Explain emotions (self-control is important)Explain emotions (self-control is important)3.3. Gave benefits Gave benefits nownow – not after life (Hades) – not after life (Hades)4.4. Myths – stories about gods, goddesses or Myths – stories about gods, goddesses or

heroes.heroes.a.a. e.g. Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Dionysuse.g. Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Dionysusb.b. Oracles – priest or priestess through whom the gods Oracles – priest or priestess through whom the gods

spoke.spoke.E. Olympic Games E. Olympic Games – held every 4 years to – held every 4 years to

honor Zeushonor Zeus

A.A. Aristocracy – government run by wealthy Aristocracy – government run by wealthy landowners – literally “rule by the best” – landowners – literally “rule by the best” – “aristocrats” or “best men”.“aristocrats” or “best men”.

B.B. HopliteHoplite – non-aristocrat who could afford armor – – non-aristocrat who could afford armor – became the heavy infantry of much of Greece – became the heavy infantry of much of Greece – began to gain power and demand more say in began to gain power and demand more say in government.government.

C.C. Tyrants – Tyrants – not originally a bad name – just someone not originally a bad name – just someone who had taken over power illegally. Many ruled well who had taken over power illegally. Many ruled well – but eventually they became brutal and unjust.– but eventually they became brutal and unjust.

D.D. Popular government – Popular government – democracydemocracy – developed, – developed, especially in Athens.especially in Athens.