The Greek Polis

Greek Polis- “city-state” Greek Cities People of the Greek Cities Citizens had political rights and a responsibility of civic participation in their governments Women were not citizens and had no political rights Foreigners had no political rights Slaves had no political rights

Greek Polis Rise of the Greek City-state Mycenaeans form the first major city-state, or polis Dorians come later and Greece declines Around 750 BC, the polis reforms and people are more connected to their community than their country

Greek Polis The Greek City-state (The Polis) Made up of the main city and its surrounding countrysides (villages) Usual size ranged from 50-500 square miles Usually had less than 20,000 people The center of the city was the acropolis- the public center Usually located on a hilltop or mountain Fortified with stone walls for protection Was the place for male citizens to conduct business and talk

Greek Polis Ways to Rule the Greek Polis Different Government Options Monarchy- ruled by a King Aristocracy- ruled by a small group of landowning people Oligarchy- ruled by a few powerful people Was created when merchants/artisans disliked the rule of the aristocracy They decided to rule together instead Representative governments began in a few cities

Greek Polis Protecting the Polis Armies used to protect the polis, citizens were expected to make up the army Weapons of the Greek armies Early armies used bronze weapons, only the rich could afford them Iron weapons were then invented, iron was cheaper and stronger Footsoldiers become the new style of fighting instead of chariots etc. Equipped with an iron spear and long shield Footsoldiers would standing next to each other Phalanx- long lines of soldiers line up for battle Considered to be the most powerful fighting force in the ancient world