Profiling a “polis”
The Greek City-State
• Polis – the Greek word for a city-state.– Started as a fort, the city grew up around it.
• Ancient Greeks were loyal to their polis.–Represented Greek identity
• Each polis was independent and self-sufficient.–Competed economically and politically.
The Greek City-State (cont.)
• Characteristics:–Covered a small area of land–Most had a population of fewer than 10,000
people (most were slaves)–Only free adult males had rights (were
citizens)–Original fort was built on an acropolis (hill)• Temples were also built on the acropolis.
– Each city-state had an agora (marketplace).
The Greek City-State (cont.)
• Agora:–Main public meeting place–Citizens met to discuss issues here
• Greeks placed great value on independence for each city-state.–Own government, laws, calendar, money
and system of weights and measurements.
The Greek City-State (cont.)
• Similarities:–Spoke same language–Non-Greeks were barbarians
(uncivilized)–Shared same religious ideas, same
holidays and participated in festivals together.