From The Greek
The Greek words "many" and "rule" combine to give us this word meaning rule by the people.
What is democracy?
It was King of Persia who amassed the largest army the world had ever seen to invade mainland Greece.
Who is Xerxes?
He famously said in "The Republic" that utopia could never exist until philosophers became kings or kings became philosophers.
Who is Plato?
Who is Perecles?
Legend has it, this wife of Menalaus of Sparta was so beautiful, her kidnapping was cause to launch a thousand ships.
Who is Helen?
The Greek words for "few' and "rule" combine to name this system of government.
What is oligarchy?
We all know that 300 of these warrior people were the first to engage the Persians, but we rarely hear mention of the 1800 Thespians and Thebians who accompanied them.
When faced with exile or death for his teachings, this most excellent mentor of Plato chose death, saying he could use the rest.
Who is Socrates?
This blind bard is known for his epic poems, "The Illiad" and "The Odyssey."
Who is Homer?
The death of his companion Patrocles caused this hero to fly into a fit of rage so great, he clogged rivers with the bodies of Trojan soldiers.
Who is Achilles?
The greek words for "many" and "god" combine to form this word used to describe those who worship more than one god.
Who are polytheists?
This city-state, the birthplace of democracy, was the main target of the Persian invasion.
What is Athens?
This author of "Poetics" went on to tutor Alexander, who many say was pretty great.
Who is Aristotle?
Remember those 300 Spartans? This 60 year old king was the man who lead them in their legendary final stand.
Who is Leonidas?
Who is Athena?
Scifi fans will know that this four letter greek root, which often proceeds "morph" or "phobia," means "Alien."
What is xeno?
The Persian Wars were fought by these heavily armed citizen soldiers who hailed from all corners of Greece.
Who are Hoplites?
This stoic taught that "ataraxia," peace and freedom from fear, was the ultimate goal of philosophy.
Fans of theater will know he penned "The Birds" and "Oedipus Rex."
Who is Sophocles?
Hippomenes won the hand of this legendary warrior by petitioning Aphrodite to help him beat her in a foot race.
Who is Atalanta?
The Greek word for a large public porch gives us the name of this school of philosphy who's most prominent thinkers include, Zeno, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.
What is stoicism?
This Athenian led the Greek fleet against the Persians in 480 B.C.E, forcing this to make a famous detour through Thermopylae.
Who is Themistocles?
This barrel dwelling philosopher founded cynicism, which advocates for living a simple life and the rejection of all shame.
Who is Diogenes?
This king of Macedon was killed by a former body guard, though I hear his son went on to do great things.
Who is Philip II?
Contrary to his modern depiction, this husband of Persephone was most often potrayed as fair and kind, especially when compared to his brothers.
Who is Hades?