Download Greek City-States Study Guide

Greek City-States Study Guide Test on Thursday, February 23rd
Directions: Complete all sections for review on Wednesday, February 22nd
Know the following terms and their definitions:
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Polis- A Greek city-state
Agora- The marketplace located at the bottom of an agora
Acropolis- A fortified hill at the center of a polis
Democracy- A type of government that favors all citizens equally (Athens)
Constitution- A set of rules of ruling
Oligarchy- A type of government in which only a few had power to rule (Sparta)
Aristocrats-Upper class citizens
Helots- Enslaved people of Sparta
Perioeci- Artisans and merchants of Sparta not considered slaves or citizens
Know the following concepts related to a Greek polis and government:
1. Describe all of the components that made up a polis.
City-states were built around a fortified hill called an acropolis. An agora was located at the
bottom of the acropolis with a temple built to honor a god/goddess at the top of the hill.
2. Who were considered citizens in most Greek city-states, including Sparta?
Only adult men born in Greece that were typically of the upper classes were considered
citizens.
3. Determine how the geography of Greece influenced the development of the city-states.
The Greek city-states were separate from one another due to mountains and water bodies in
Greece. Each had their own form of government in laws. Athens was located close to the
sea and Sparta was built close to mountains on the Peloponnesus.
4. What are some of the rights and expectations of citizens in ancient Greece long ago and
the United States today?
Greek citizens had the right to vote, own property, and speak for themselves in court.
Citizens of Greece were expected to protect the city-state in times of war, vote, and
participate in government. U.S. citizens have the right to vote at age 18. Other rights include
freedom of speech and religion. U.S. citizens are expected to vote, follow laws, and serve on
juries.
5. Compare and Contrast: Citizenship in ancient Greece and the U.S.
Only males born in Greece could be citizens. U.S. citizens include both male and females.
Individuals not born in the U.S. can become citizens.
6. Explain some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with both oligarchies and
democracies. (Compare these types of government)
Oligarchies: Only a few people have ruling power. This means that decisions could be made
quicker and without much debate. However, most people do not have an opportunity to
make contributions/voice opinions. It may be difficult to get into power.
Democracies: All citizens have an opportunity to contribute by running for office or voting. It
can take a long time to vote and debate issues. However, all citizens are favored equally.
Know the following concepts related to ancient Sparta, Athens, and the other city-states:
7. Why do you think the Spartans resisted change in their city?
The Spartans did not support trade of change in their polis. They thought these things would
weaken their way of life.
8. Explain the role the helots played in ancient Sparta.
Sparta has home to many helots that mostly farmed and produced the city-state’s food.
There were many more helots compared to Spartan soldiers.
9. Describe the differences in schooling and growing up in both Athens and Sparta.
Boys and girls both received an education in Sparta. Boys were only required to receive an
education in Athens. The Spartans focused more on war training (agoge). Schools and
tutors in Athens taught poetry, writing, and math.
10. Compare and Contrast: The role of males in ancient Athens and Sparta?
Men in Sparta were required to serve in the military and were trained from an early age.
They could retire at age 60 and serve in the government. Athenian men typically were
(mostly upper class) educated in school or by tutors in poetry, writing, and math. Male
citizens could serve in the navy/army or run for office.
11. Compare and Contrast: The role of females in Sparta and those in other Greek citystates?
Spartan women were encouraged to play sports and be active. Unlike women in other citystates, Spartan women were encouraged to get an education and could mix freely in
society. Women in Athens were expected to have a chaperone if they left the home.
12. What were some of the other Greek city-states besides Athens and Sparta?
Corinth, Thebes, and Argos were amongst other Greek city-states during ancient times.