Chapter 6

Greek Vocabulary

PeninsulaLand

surrounded on three sides by water

Epic

A long poem that tells a story

Acropolis

A city protected by a hill or mountains

City-State

A city that is an independent nation

AristocratA member of a

rich and powerful family

• Ruled some city-states in Greece

Tyrant

A ruler who seized power by force

DemocracyCitizens choose

their rulers by voting

TributePayment of

money, jewels, food, or slaves paid to Athens by its enemies for protection

ImmortalAble to live forever

PhilosopherA person who

explains natural events (thunderstorms, earthquakes, rainbows, stars) without myths or reference to gods

TragedyA story that ends

in disaster for the main character

AgoraA public

market and meeting place

Plague

Widespread disease

BlockadeTo surround &

close the harbor by military force

BarbarianWild,

uncivilized people

AssassinateMurdered

Hellenistic

Greek kingdoms that spread culture.