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Greek city

A Greek city, or polis, was an independent urban area centered around a main city and its surrounding countryside. It functioned as a self-governing community, with its own government, laws, military, and customs. Key features included a central marketplace (agora), temples dedicated to gods, and public spaces for gatherings. The polis was significant in ancient Greece for fostering civic identity and local pride, often involving citizens in decision-making through assemblies. These city-states varied in size and power, but collectively contributed to Greek culture, politics, and achievements in areas like philosophy, art, and architecture.