Phylai

Phylai, or phylai (plural), were ancient Greek tribes or clans that formed the basic social and political units within city-states like Athens. Each phylē served as a community of families sharing common origins, identity, and responsibilities. These divisions played a key role in organizing military duties, religious activities, and political participation. In Athens, citizens were grouped into phylai to ensure representation and civic order, with each phylē contributing members to the city’s governance and military. Overall, phylai helped structure social cohesion and collective identity within Greek society.