Rise of the City-States By 750 BCE, Greece was dominated by city-states (polis) that included the major city and the surrounding countryside (numerous villages). Had approximately 20,000 people.

Citizens could take part in government. Included free, landowning males Gathered at the fortified hilltop (acropolis) to conduct business. Women had very few rights and slaves had no political rights.

As a result of overpopulation and the need for more arable land, many city-states turned to colonization. City-states unified by language, culture, and religion, but not politically. Different forms of government emerged throughout Greece in the different city-states: Monarchy Aristocracy Oligarchy Direct Democracy

Rise of the City-States (cont.) Monarchy: State ruled by a king. Rule was hereditary through the king’s family. Some rulers claimed divine right - their power to rule comes from the gods. Example - Mycenae Aristocracy: State ruled by the nobility. Rule is hereditary and based on landownership. Social status and wealth support rulers’ authority. Example - Athens (594 BCE)

Rise of the City-States (cont.) Oligarchy: State ruled by a small group of citizens. Rule based on wealth. Ruling group controls the military. Example - Sparta Direct Democracy: State ruled by the citizens. Rule based on citizenship (free, landowning male). Majority rule makes decisions. Example - Athens (461 BCE)