The Greek city-states

LO1: Define polis, acropolis, demo's, monarchy, oligarchy, aristocracy, tyranny
LO2: Compare the different models of government used in Ancient Greece
LO3: Compare lifestyles in two main city states, Athens & Sparta

Polis: The Greek word for city-state
Acropolis: A temple built upon a mound of Earth
Demo's: Everyday average citizen (Did not own land)
Monarchy: Single ruler; king or queen
Oligarchy: Rule by a small group (2 or more)
Aristocracy: Nobility; land owners
Tyranny: Tyrant


Athens was the first city-state of Ancient Greece to give the people the right to rule (democracy).
Where as Sparta built a military state.

How each Greek city state was set up:
1. Aristocracy- land owning class of people (3-5%)
2. Demo's- average citizen
3. "hoplites"- soldiers= Sparta
4. Slave class

GUIDED READING Warring City-States 

Section 2 

2090 

ASOS 

A. Analyzing Causes and Recognizing Effects As you read about the growth of Greek city 

states, answer the questions about events in the time line. (Some dates are approximate.) 

725 B.C. Sparta conquers Messenia. 

1. How did Sparta treat the Messenians? 

They made them give up half of the helots crops every year.

2. What type of society did Sparta create in response 

to the revolt? 

They created a strong military and city-state

650 B.C. 

Spartans put down a revolt - by Messenians. 

3. How did Athenians avoid major political upheavals? 

By making a democracy where people hold the power.

621 B.C. 

Draco writes the first legal code. 

4. What economic and political reforms did Solon 

initiate? 

Criminals were brought to justice.

594 B.C. 

Athenian aristocrats choose Solon to govern. 

5. What steps did Cleisthenes take to create a limited 

democracy in Athens? 

COM 

Women had no social status and only people that could vote were men. But there were regulations on what men could vote.

500 B.C. 

Cleisthenes introduces political reforms in Athens. 

6. What advantages did the Greek soldiers have 

over the Persians? 

They were more educated and new the land more. They also had smart battle skills.

490 B.C. 

Athenians defeat Persians in battle at Marathon. Greeks defeat remaining Persian army. 

479 B.C. 

7. What were the consequences of the Persian Wars? 

 Greek city-states felt more confident. Athens used lot's of it's power.

Chapter 5 Section 2 Assessment TERMS & NAMES 1. For each term or name, write a sentence explaining its significance.  • polis- Was the fundamental political unit of Ancient Greece  • acropolis- Citizens gathered here to discuss city government   • monarchy- A king or queen ruled the people • aristocracy - Rule by a small group of noble, land owning people. Often gained power by serving in kings military. • oligarchy - When the power was shared with nobility. • tyrant - Looked upon as leaders. Not considered harsh and cruel. • democracy- Athenian citizens participated directly in political decision making. • helot- Peasants were forced to stay on the land that they worked. • phalanx- The formation of the most powerful fighting force in the Ancient world • Persian Wars- The battle between the Persian Empire and Greece. USING YOUR NOTES 2. Which of the events on your time line do you think was the most important for life today? Explain. The Persian war when the Athenians beat the Persians on the sea. MAIN IDEAS 3. How does an aristocracy differ from an oligarchy? Oligarchy is generic while aristocracy is given to the people ruling. 4. What contributions did Solon and Cleisthenes make to the development of Athenian democracy? They created crime and punishment. 5. How did Athens benefit from victory in the Persian Wars? They became stronger with more power.