Ancient Greek city-states

Ancient Greek city-states, called poleis, were independent communities centered around a city and its surrounding territory. Each polis had its own government, laws, military, and customs, functioning like small, self-governing countries. While sharing language and religion, they often competed or allied with each other, influencing politics, culture, and art. Notable examples include Athens, known for democracy and philosophy, and Sparta, recognized for its military strength. These city-states played a vital role in shaping Greek identity and laid foundational ideas for Western governance and philosophy.