KS2 History: Ancient Greece Revision Guide

City-states

Ancient Greece was not a single country but a collection of independent city-states, such as Athens and Sparta, each with its own government and way of life.

Athens and democracy

Athens is famous for developing an early form of democracy, where citizens could vote on decisions. However, "citizens" only included free adult men — women, enslaved people and foreigners could not vote.

Sparta

Sparta had a very different way of life, focused heavily on military training. Spartan boys began rigorous military training from a young age.

Gods, myths and the Olympics

The Ancient Greeks worshipped many gods, such as Zeus and Athena, and told myths explaining the world around them. The first Olympic Games were held in Greece in 776 BC, in honour of Zeus.

Common mistakes

• Assuming Ancient Greece was one unified country — it was made up of separate, often rival, city-states.
• Thinking Athenian democracy included everyone — it excluded women, enslaved people and foreigners.
• Mixing up Athens (focused on learning and democracy) and Sparta (focused on military strength).