The Rise and Function of the Polis in Ancient Greece
In the society of Ancient Greece, the polis, or the city-state, was perhaps the most distinctive and important political innovation at the time. Emerging around the 8th century BC, this institution became the fundamental aspect of the ancient Greek civilization. Defining Greek life for centuries, the polis was not merely a city, but a distinct socio-political entity. Its emergence and development were closely connected with the traditional social structures of the time, the economy, and the landscape of Greece. And, as such, it shaped the development of Greek identity, politics, and culture. But more importantly, the polis laid the foundations for major political concepts that shaped the governance of the time, such as democracy, civic participation, and citizenship. What made the polis so successful and influential? And what was its ultimate fate?
The Emergence of the Polis
The earliest origins of the polis can be traced back to the aftermath of the era known as the Greek Dark Ages, which lasted roughly from 1100 to 750 BC. This was the period marked by the collapse of the venerable Mycenaean Civilization, which was followed by a major decline in population numbers and economic activities in the region. The ensuing dark ages saw communities largely isolated, scattered in remote parts of the landscape and having next to none political organization. But as centuries passed, things stabilized. By the 8th century BC, the society in Greece once more began to revitalize, and trade once again began to flourish. Populations grew, and more stable social structures and settlements were established.
Pericles gives a funeral oration in the ancient polis of Athens by Philipp von Foltz. (Public Domain)
There were several factors that brought about the emergence of the polis. There was, naturally, the geography of Greece, which dictated the emergence of large cities in certain parts of the land where life was guaranteed to thrive. The Greek mainland was always dominated by rugged terrain, and the large mountains and deep valleys divided the nation into isolated pockets and distinct regions. These geographical conditions discouraged the formation of large, centralized states but supported smaller, self-sufficient communities that could grow into independent city-states. Of course, there was the natural pace of socio-political evolution, as well as the rising need for collective security. The societies who lived together and enjoyed the security of formidable city walls were much better off than those living in small, scattered settlements at odds with their neighbors.
Also worth mentioning are trade and colonization, both of which brought about the rise of the polis. Major Greek cities, famed for their skills as explorers and sailors, began to establish colonies (small cities) around the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, in an attempt to secure more resources and to dominate major trade routes. Such expansion greatly enriched the polises back on the Greek mainland, while the cultural exchange with distant regions only strengthened their influence, social structure, and political power.
The Identity and Structure of the Greek Polis
There was one important factor that set apart the polis from similar city-states of the time, elsewhere in Europe. And that is the fact that polis was not just a political entity, but a community with a shared identity, which truly did make it a “city-state” in its own right. In Greece, the life of the polis was often centered around the acro-polis, the “high city”, which was the location of the religious and administrative structures, and the most important temples. This high city was also the town’s citadel, the fortified stronghold which was easily defendable in cases of war. Beneath it was the lower part of the city, called the agora, the social hub of the polis and the place where citizens mingled to do commerce, shop at the marketplace, discuss public matters, and generally conduct their daily routines. The citizens, known as polites, were considered integral to the functioning and identity of the polis, distinguishing it from other forms of city organization.
Needless to say, every polis in the Greek realm had its own laws, its own military, and its own government, and was thus essentially an independent state. This autonomy fostered a strong sense of pride and loyalty among its citizens. Governance structures varied, with some polises such as Athens developing democratic systems and others like Sparta adhering to oligarchic and militaristic models. But even so, every polis was defined by the active participation of its citizens, in both political and social, daily life. When compared to the modern ideas of citizenship, this was usually limited to free male landowners, and did not include women, non-citizens, and slaves. Due to this, the concept of citizenship of a specific city-state was a very important thing. It brought many responsibilities, rights, and a certain degree of prestige too. However, it also included military service, as well as the need to participate in important assemblies.
Crowing the victors at Olympia by James Barry. (Public Domain)
