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The Polis

The Polis. Ms. Tully Western Civilization. The Polis. Basic political and institutional unit Essentially a “city-state” Developed during Greek Dark Ages. Origins of the Polis. Towns developed around palaces during Mycenaean period Economic, religious, political, administrative purposes

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The Polis

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  1. The Polis Ms. Tully Western Civilization

  2. The Polis • Basic political and institutional unit • Essentially a “city-state” • Developed during Greek Dark Ages

  3. Origins of the Polis • Towns developed around palaces during Mycenaean period • Economic, religious, political, administrative purposes • People became very connected to identity of polis

  4. City = asty • Surrounding countryside = chora • Elevated point (temple) = acropolis • Public square or marketplace = agora • Usually surrounded by a wall

  5. Acropolis at Athens: The Parthenon

  6. City and Chora • Life in the polis demanded integration of chora and city • Agriculture in chora fed the city • Many Greek religious practices rooted in the country • Sanctuaries reflection of religious cults of polis • Linked country and city dwellers • Served as sources of identification • Polis more than a city – community of citizens • Badge of Greekness

  7. Hoplites = heavily armed citizen infantry • Body armor, helmets, round shields, swords/spears • Responsible for own gear • Defensive strategy – stand in dense line, shields together • Sense of comradeship, masculinity linked to military service

  8. Governing Structures • No monarchies • Usually democracies or oligarchies • Violent political or social upheaval sometimes led to tyranny • Rule of one man, usually by coup d’etat • Democracy – rule of the citizens • Athens, Argos, Corcyra • Only citizens (free adult men) could vote – 10-20% of pop. • Citizenship tied to Greek masculinity

  9. Oligarchy – rule of a few • Small group of wealthy citizens • More popular form of gov’t • Isonomia = equality under the law • Examples – Corinth, Mantinea, Thebes • Federalism – individual city-states join to create one general gov’t • “Boeotian Confederacy” led by Thebes • More popular and successful in later Hellenisitc period • Resistance towards federalism during classical period • Devotion and loyalty to city-states prevented political unity and contributed to constant warfare and the eventual decline of the power of Greece

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