Greece Word List

Peninsula- body of land with water on three sides
Colony- group of people living in a new territory with ties to their homeland
Polis- city-state
Agora- gathering place
Acropolis- hilltop with a fort on it
Phalanx- group of armed foot soldiers arranged in rows
Tyrant- to seize power and rule with total authority
Oligarchy- government with a small group ruling
Democracy- government by the people
Direct- all citizens participate
Representative- officials are elected
Helot- enslaved people
Philosopher- person who searches for wisdom
Myth- story that explains the beliefs of people
Hellenistic Era- time following the death of Alexander the Great and Greek culture spread