The Greek Poli: City-States of Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece gave the world democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. Yet it was never a single nation. Instead, the Greeks lived in hundreds of independent, rival city-states called poli (also commonly spelled poleis.) Each polis had its own government, army, and laws.

Walled Cities

Many Greek poli had stone walls, leaving the surrounding farmland outside because enclosing it was too expensive. Most poli were far smaller than modern cities, usually housing fewer than 5,000 people inside the walls. Thousands more farmers lived in the surrounding villages and farms belonging to the polis.

When enemies approached, farmers fled behind the barriers. When invaders were unable to break through the walls of a polis, they surrounded the city in a siege. By cutting off food supplies and burning outer crops, they waited for starvation and disease to force a surrender from the overcrowded population within.

Citizens of the Polis

The ancient Greeks identified with their home polis no matter where they lived. A person born in Athens remained an Athenian even if they moved to another city-state, where they might become wealthy and respected but never gain citizenship.

Within the city walls, many poli had an acropolis, a fortified hilltop that served as a final refuge during an attack and held their most important temples. They also featured an agora, an open marketplace where people traded, exchanged news, and held public meetings.

Leagues

Despite their rivalries, the Greek poli frequently maintained alliances, called leagues, to guard against mutual threats. Member cities pooled their soldiers and warships under a chosen leader, yet each fiercely guarded its own local government and independence from its allies.

Shared Culture

Although the Greek poli were independent, they shared a common language, family of gods, and many customs. Additionally, every four years, athletes from across the Greek world gathered at Olympia to honor Zeus in the Olympic Games. Even poli at war usually observed a truce so athletes and spectators could travel safely.