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.