Ancient Greece and Rome: Key Terms

Tyranny

Tyranny is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of an individual who has seized control, often by illegal means. The word tyranny comes from the Greek word tyrannos, which means "usurper with supreme power." Over time, a person who ruled by tyranny, or a tyrant, became known for holding onto power by cruel, abusive means.

Democracy

A democracy is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of all people. The word democracy comes from the Greek terms demos (meaning people) and kratos (meaning power).

Oligarchy

An oligarchy is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of a few leaders. The word oligarchy comes from the Greek terms oligos (meaning few) and arkhein (meaning rule).

Monarchy

A monarchy is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of a single person. Most monarchies have been ruled by kings, usually with the help of a council of advisors. The word monarchy comes from the Greek terms monos (meaning single) and arkhein (meaning rule).

The Agora

A square packed with market stalls and people doing business. It was criss-crossed with small laneways.

The Stoa

A long building like a hall, containing shops and offices. It also provided shelter and a shaded place to meet.

The Bouleuterion

Is a building where the city Council of Citizens (known as the Boule) met.

The Acropolis

The highest piece of land in the city-state where important temples and forts were built.

The Tholos

Where a city-state council met.

Hippocratic Oath

A promise to practice and maintain certain ethical standards (originally for physicians).

Pax Romana

It was a time of 100 years of great stability in the Roman Empire.

Olympic Games

The first were held in 776 BC in the city-state of Olympia. The games began with the sacrifice of an animal. Five days of games every four years.

Events included:

• Marathon
• Pentathlon
• Pankration

Timeline of Roman History

• 753 BC: Rome Republic founded
• 509 BC: Roman Republic established
• 218 BC: Hannibal invades Italy
• 73 BC: Spartacus slave revolt
• 45 BC: Julius Caesar becomes dictator
• 44 BC: Death of Julius Caesar
• 27 BC: Roman Empire begins (Augustus)
• 64 AD: Great Fire of Rome
• 80 AD: Colosseum completed
• 122 AD: Hadrian's Wall construction begins
• 306 AD: Constantine the Great becomes Emperor
• 380 AD: Christianity becomes state religion
• 395 AD: Roman Empire splits (East and West)
• 410 AD: Visigoths sack Rome
• 476 AD: End of the Western Roman Empire