Pennisula

an area of land nearly surrounded by water

Epic

a poem that tells a story

acropolis

High fortified site in the center of every city-state built on a rocky hill

city-state

a city with its own traditions, government,and laws; both a city and a seperate independent state

aristrocat

a member of a rich and powerful family

tyrant

a  ruler who seized power by force

democracy

a form of government in which citizens govern themselves

aristrocratic

government by the best

patriarchal society

male dominated society

matriarchal society

female dominated society

monarchy

a form of government in which supreme power is absolutely or nominally lodged with an idividual, who is head of state, often for life

oligarchy

is a form of government where power effectively rests with a small segment of society

emigrating

is the act of leaving ones native country to settle in another country

dynasties

a succession of rulers who are members of the same family, the period during which a certain family reigns

autocratic

a ruler with absolute power; dictator, anyone having unlimited power over others

precipice

a sharp cliff

polis

a city within itself