8th Grade World History- The Ancient Greeks

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  • 1/20 Questions

    Which two city-states went to war for control of Greece in the Peloponnesian War

    • Athens and Sparta
    • Helots and Athens
    • Sparta and Helots
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About This Quiz

This 8th grade World History quiz focuses on Ancient Greece, exploring its governance, geography, and societal structures. Students assess their knowledge on topics like oligarchies, the agora, and the Ionian Sea, enhancing their understanding of Greek civilization.

Ancient Greece Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    _________________ are thinkers who ponder questions about life.

    Explanation
    Philosophers are individuals who engage in deep contemplation and reflection on various aspects of life. They explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and ethics. Through their intellectual inquiry, philosophers seek to gain insight into the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and the principles that govern human behavior. They critically analyze and evaluate different perspectives, theories, and arguments to develop well-reasoned and coherent philosophical frameworks. By examining the complexities of human existence, philosophers contribute to our understanding of the world and help us navigate the complexities of life.

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  • 3. 

    The early Greek city-state, made up of a city and the surrounding countryside and run as an independant country

    • Agora

    • Helot

    • Polis

    Correct Answer
    A. Polis
    Explanation
    A polis refers to the early Greek city-state, which consisted of a city and the surrounding countryside. It functioned as an independent country, with its own government and laws. The polis was a self-governing community that had its own political, social, and economic systems. It was a central institution in ancient Greece, where citizens would gather in the agora, a public marketplace, to discuss and make decisions regarding their city-state. The helots were a class of unfree peasants who were tied to the land and served the Spartan city-state, so they are not the correct answer in this context.

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  • 4. 

    A settlement in a new territory that keeps close ties to its homeland

    • Oligarchy

    • Democracy

    • Colony

    Correct Answer
    A. Colony
    Explanation
    A colony is a settlement in a new territory that maintains close ties to its homeland. This can be seen through the establishment of governance, economic systems, and cultural practices that are influenced by the colonizing power. The colonizing country typically maintains control over the colony and may exploit its resources for their own benefit. The relationship between the colony and its homeland is characterized by political and economic dependence, with the colony often serving as a source of wealth and power for the colonizing nation.

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  • 5. 

    The Greek mainland is a body of land with water on three sides, otherwise known as

    • Peninsula

    • Island

    • Continent

    Correct Answer
    A. Peninsula
    Explanation
    The Greek mainland is surrounded by water on three sides, which means it is connected to the larger landmass but still has water on one side. This fits the definition of a peninsula, which is a body of land that is almost completely surrounded by water but still connected to a larger landmass. An island is completely surrounded by water, while a continent is a much larger landmass that usually consists of multiple countries. Therefore, the correct answer is peninsula.

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  • 6. 

    Sparta became an oligarchy and Athens was ruled by democracy.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    During the ancient Greek period, Sparta and Athens had different forms of government. Sparta was governed by an oligarchy, where power was held by a small group of elite individuals. In contrast, Athens practiced democracy, where the power was in the hands of the people who participated in decision-making and governance. Therefore, the statement that Sparta became an oligarchy and Athens was ruled by democracy is true.

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  • 7. 

     In early-Greek states, an open area that served as both a market and meeting place

    • Satrap

    • Peninsula

    • Agora

    Correct Answer
    A. Agora
    Explanation
    An agora was an open area in early-Greek states that served as both a market and a meeting place. It was a central hub where people would gather to buy and sell goods, as well as engage in social and political discussions. The agora played a significant role in the development of Greek city-states, fostering trade, communication, and civic engagement among its citizens.

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  • 8. 

    Knossos was located on the island of ___________________.

    Correct Answer
    Crete
    Explanation
    Knossos was located on the island of Crete. Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, and it is also known for its rich history and ancient civilizations. Knossos was a significant archaeological site on the island, and it was the capital of the Minoan civilization. The palace of Knossos was a grand structure that showcased the advanced architectural and artistic skills of the Minoans. The island of Crete played a crucial role in the development of ancient Greek civilization, and Knossos was at the heart of it.

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  • 9. 

    Person who was conquered and enslaved by the ancient Spartans

    • Philosopher

    • Helot

    • Satrap

    Correct Answer
    A. Helot
    Explanation
    A helot is the correct answer because they were the people who were conquered and enslaved by the ancient Spartans. The Spartans were known for their military prowess and domination over other city-states in ancient Greece. They would conquer neighboring territories and enslave the local population, who were then referred to as helots. The helots were forced to work the land for the Spartans and were treated as property rather than free citizens. This system of enslavement played a crucial role in the Spartan economy and allowed the Spartans to focus on their military training and lifestyle.

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  • 10. 

    A government in which a small group of people holds power 

    • Direct democracy

    • Oligarchy

    • Representative democracy

    Correct Answer
    A. Oligarchy
    Explanation
    An oligarchy is a government system where power is held by a small group of people. In this type of government, a few individuals have control and influence over the decision-making process, often based on wealth, social status, or military power. This differs from a direct democracy, where citizens directly participate in decision-making, and a representative democracy, where elected officials represent the interests and choices of the people.

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  • 11. 

    Captive workers in Sparta

    • Spartans

    • Helots

    • Athenians

    Correct Answer
    A. Helots
    Explanation
    Helots were captive workers in Sparta. They were the enslaved population that worked the land and served the Spartan citizens. The Spartans relied on the labor of the helots to support their militaristic society and lifestyle. The helots were treated as property and had limited rights and freedoms. They were required to provide a portion of their crops and labor to the Spartan citizens. The helots played a crucial role in the Spartan economy and were an essential part of maintaining the Spartan way of life.

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  • 12. 

    The Minoans became wealthy from their farming.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The Minoans did not become wealthy from farming. They were prosperous due to their trade and commerce activities, as well as their control over key resources such as metals and timber. Their advanced maritime skills allowed them to establish trade networks and dominate the Mediterranean trade routes, which contributed to their wealth and influence in the ancient world.

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  • 13. 

    The most important leader after Peisistratus dies was Cleisthenes, who made the government of Athens a democracy.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Cleisthenes is indeed considered one of the most important leaders after Peisistratus in Athens. He is credited with introducing significant reforms that laid the foundation for Athenian democracy. Cleisthenes reorganized the political structure by creating new tribes and demes, which allowed for a more inclusive system of government. He also established the Council of Five Hundred, which played a crucial role in decision-making. Therefore, it is accurate to say that Cleisthenes made the government of Athens a democracy.

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  • 14. 

    The Mycenaeans were invaders of the Greek mainland around 1900 B.C. and became the first Greek kings

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because the Mycenaeans were indeed invaders of the Greek mainland around 1900 B.C. They were a powerful civilization that dominated Greece and were known for their advanced military tactics and fortified cities, such as Mycenae and Tiryns. The Mycenaeans played a significant role in shaping Greek culture and are considered the first Greek kings. They are also known for their contributions to art, architecture, and literature, as seen in the famous epic poem, the Iliad.

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  • 15. 

    After the Persian Wars, the leading figure in Athenian politics was ___________________.

    Correct Answer
    Pericles
    Explanation
    After the Persian Wars, Pericles emerged as the prominent figure in Athenian politics. He was known for his influential leadership and played a crucial role in shaping the Athenian democracy. Pericles implemented various reforms, such as expanding the power of the assembly and promoting the arts and literature. His policies and strategies helped Athens become a dominant force in the ancient Greek world. Pericles' influence and contributions during this period solidified his position as the leading figure in Athenian politics.

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  • 16. 

    After Herodotus dies in 486 B.C., his son Xerxes became the Persian king.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because Xerxes was not the son of Herodotus. Xerxes was actually the son of Darius I, who became the Persian king after Herodotus died in 486 B.C.

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  • 17. 

    The Greek historian __________________ wrote History of the Persian Wars

    Correct Answer
    Herodotus
    Explanation
    Herodotus is the correct answer because he is a well-known Greek historian who is widely regarded as the "Father of History." He wrote the famous book "History of the Persian Wars," which provides a detailed account of the conflicts between the Greeks and the Persians. Herodotus' work is considered one of the earliest examples of historical writing and is highly valued for its meticulous research and storytelling.

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  • 18. 

    What sea lies along the west coast of Greece?

    • Aegean Sea

    • Ionian Sea

    • Mediterranean Sea

    Correct Answer
    A. Ionian Sea
    Explanation
    The Ionian Sea is the correct answer because it lies along the west coast of Greece. It is located between the western mainland of Greece and the eastern coast of Italy. The Ionian Sea is known for its clear waters, beautiful beaches, and picturesque islands. It is a popular tourist destination and is also important for fishing and transportation.

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  • 19. 

    A system that Darius used to unite his empire under one government

    • Satrapies

    • Democracy

    • Colony

    Correct Answer
    A. Satrapies
    Explanation
    Darius used the system of satrapies to unite his empire under one government. Satrapies were provinces or regions that were governed by satraps, who were appointed by the king. This system allowed for local autonomy while still maintaining central control. Satraps collected taxes, maintained order, and reported to the king. This system helped Darius effectively administer his vast empire and ensure loyalty and stability throughout.

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  • 20. 

    Darius divided the Persian Empire into 20 states called __________________.

    Correct Answer
    satrapies
    Explanation
    Darius divided the Persian Empire into 20 states called "satrapies". This term refers to the administrative divisions that Darius established to govern the vast empire. Each satrapy was ruled by a satrap, who was responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and reporting to the central Persian government. This system allowed for better control and organization over the empire, ensuring its stability and facilitating the efficient administration of resources.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jun 05, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Jamiekimry
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