The Greek Polis: Warring City States

Polis- a Greek city-state

 Acropolis- a fortified hilltop in an ancient Greek city

Monarchy- a government in which power is in the hands of a single person

Aristocracy- a government in which power is in the hands of a hereditary ruling class or wealthy nobles

Oligarchy- a government in which power is in the hands of a few people- wealthy, powerful leaders who combine with each other

Tyrant- in ancient Greece, a powerful individual who gained control of a city-state's government by appealing to the poor for support and corrupts the government because of greed

Democracy- a government-controlled by its citizens, either directly or through representatives

Helot- In the society of ancient Sparta, a peasant bound to the land

Phalanx- a military formation of foot soldiers armed with spears and shields 

Persian Wars- a series of wars in the fifth century BC in which Greek city-states battled the Persian Empire

3. How does an aristocracy differ from an oligarchy?- An aristocracy is ruled by a noble family, while an oligarchy is ruled by rich, powerful people in an agreement

4. What contributions did Solon and Cleisthenes make to the development of Athenian democracy?- What contributions did Solon and Cleisthenes make to the development of Athenian democracy?

5. How did Athens benefit from victory in the Persian Wars?- It had the league headquarters moved in, and the golden age of Athens was started after that