OCR GCSE Ancient History key terms

The elevated rocky stronghold of Athens, which contained major temples and sanctuaries.

Athena’s protective breast covering, associated with snakes and the head of Medusa.

The Persian god associated with wisdom and goodness, whose authority supported Persian royal power.

An aristocratic Athenian family exiled by the Peisistratid tyrants, which helped bring about Hippias’ removal.

A claim, often made against a person or group, that has not necessarily been proved.

An agreement between rulers or states to cooperate, often for military support or protection.

A surprise attack made by troops concealed until an enemy has moved into a vulnerable position.

The god honoured at the oracle at Siwa in Egypt, identified by Greeks with Zeus.

Protection from punishment granted to a person or group.

A two-handled vessel used for storage. Panathenaic prize amphorae held olive oil awarded to victors and carried images of competitive events.

Arrian’s Greek account of Alexander’s expedition, written centuries after it and also known in English as The Campaigns of Alexander.

A feature belonging to a later period that is placed in an earlier setting, such as a later political practice attributed to Rome’s earliest kings.

A short story about an individual incident, often used to illustrate someone’s character.

Historical writing organised around successive years, although an author may group connected events together.

The taking over of a territory and incorporating it into another state’s possessions.

A kingdom in south-western Iran, ruled by Cyrus and his father Cambyses I, with a mixed Persian and Elamite population.

The great audience hall at Persepolis, begun under Darius I and completed under Xerxes I, where the king could receive large gatherings.

A sacred Egyptian bull associated with the god Ptah, worshipped during its lifetime and given an elaborate burial after death.

A procedure through which an accused person challenges a judicial decision.

An engineered channel or system that carries water from its source to where it is needed.

Settling a dispute through the decision of a third party rather than through fighting.

Material evidence from the past, such as coins, buildings, tombstones and writing tablets, used to investigate historical societies.

The opening phase of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta and their allies, which began in 431 BC.

One of nine senior Athenian magistrates with civic, religious or judicial responsibilities.

Athenian magistrates whose responsibilities included judicial administration and religious duties; the singular is archon.

An Athenian council of former archons whose political authority was reduced by democratic reforms.

Government by a privileged elite whose position rested particularly on noble birth and family status.