Chapter 4 Section 2 Circa 750 b.c.e. The Greek City States Chapter 4 Section 2 Circa 750 b.c.e.

Organization of the City States One key aspect of Greek Civilization is their forms of governance. A polis, or a city – state was the center of all political, social, and religious activities. Greek city states varied in size, some were as small as a few square miles with a small population , others however were much larger. Athens for example had a population of over 300,000 by the 5th Century C.E.

Organization of the City States The population also varied in relation to people’s social standing. Within most cities the community consisted of Citizens with political rights (males), Citizens with no political right (Women & Children), and non citizens (Slaves, laborers, resident aliens.) “ We must regard every citizen as belonging to the state” -Aristotle

Aristotle “ We must regard every citizen as belonging to the state” -Aristotle

Birth of a Military Many Greek armies were based on hoplites, or heavily armed infantry soldiers. These warriors would go into battle as a unit known a s a phalanx. They were grouped together in a rectangular formation, using their shield to protect the group, not the individual solider. Citizens were very loyal to their city states, this led to fierce competition and fighting among the city states. This was the basis for the beginning of a military system.

Phalanx Formation

Greek Expansion Many City States seeking to expand their authority, left the Greek mainland to establish colonies outside of mainland Greece. Greeks settled not only along the Mediterranean region, but also into the Black Sea region through the Bosporus . Byzantium, Which later would become Constantinople, was perhaps the most well known Greek colony. Many years later during the Rule of the Romans it would become the capital of the Byzantine Empire.

Sparta The Spartans were an aggressive group of Greeks that conquered their neighboring City States. 2 groups of Greeks that would fall under Spartan rule were Messenians & the Loconian people. Once taken over by the Spartans, these other groups were turned into serfs, workers for the ruling Spartans. The Government used by the Spartans was an oligarchy led by 2 Kings. These Kings led the Spartans into battle. They also held yearly elections to elect 5 ephors, who were responsible educating the youth and Spartan citizens. Spartans were very closed off to the outside world ignoring the arts, literature and philosophy. The Spartans admired Warfare.

Athens In Athens a King was also in charge, and a group of influential citizens known as aristocrats had the majority of the political power. These aristocrats were wealthy land owners, they used this influence in politics. Many citizens fell into debt with the aristocrats, and this led to the eventual enslavement of citizens for not being able to pay their lenders. This would eventually become one of the factors that led to civil war in Athens. Solon, was elected to rule Athens, a reform minded individual, he eliminated all debts. Although he wanted to avoid tyranny in Athens, Solon essentially laid the foundation for it. The Tyrant son of Peisistratus was eventually overthrown by a revolt. Cleisthenes, another tyrant would eventually take power but he established a council of 500 citizens that over saw foreign affairs, controlled the treasury and proposed laws.