Glossary of Key Terms
Agoge
The rigorous Spartan training and education system that all citizens (except those not expected to be king) were required to undergo.
Boeotarchs
The elected leaders of the Boeotian League, of which there were typically seven, including figures like Epaminondas and Pelopidas.
Boeotian League
A regional alliance of city-states in Boeotia, led by Thebes, which was frequently dissolved and reformed due to Spartan and Persian interference.
Cadmeia
The citadel or central fortress of Thebes, comparable to the “Red Keep,” the control of which signified control over the city.
Ephors
A group of five elected Spartan officials who held significant power to oversee the kings and enforce Spartan law.
Gerousia
The Spartan council of elders, consisting of 28 men over the age of 60 plus the two kings, who acted as a high court and deliberative body.
Hegemony
The political, moving to military, dominance or leadership of one city-state (like Sparta or Athens) over others.
Helots
The enslaved population of Messenia and Laconia who were systematically oppressed by the Spartan state to provide the labor necessary for the Spartan military lifestyle.
Hetaira
Highly educated, high-class female companions and entertainers in ancient Greek society, such as Lais of Corinth.
Medism
The act of “becoming too Persian” or siding with the Persians (Medes), which was considered a shameful betrayal in much of the Greek world.
Navarch
The elected commander of a fleet, a position that carried a one-year term limit in the Spartan system.
Peltasts
A type of light infantry often used for skirmishing, equipped with a light shield (pelta) and javelins.
Phalanx
The standard Greek military formation consisting of a dense block of heavily armed infantry (hoplites) standing shoulder to shoulder with overlapping shields.
Polemarch
A high-ranking military official or magistrate; in Thebes, they were part of a triumvirate of rulers.
Satrap
A governor of a province in the Persian Empire who possessed significant wealth and the legal right to wage war or manage regional diplomacy.
Stadion
The most prestigious event of the ancient Olympic Games, a foot race of approximately 200 yards.
Strategos
A general or military commander, used by Athens and the Arcadian League.
Tagus
The title for the supreme magistrate or military leader of the Thessalian League, a position held by Jason of Pherae.