Ancient Greek City-State: Polis

The term used for the ancient Greek city-state is Polis. The city-state or Polis was the fundamental political unit in ancient Greece. It was a self-governing community consisting of a city and its surrounding countryside.

Characteristics of a Polis:
- Autonomy: Each Polis was autonomous and had its own government, laws, and customs. They were not under the control of a central authority or empire.
- Centralized: The Polis was centered around a fortified hilltop called the acropolis, which served as the religious and administrative center.
- Citizenship: Only male citizens who were born in the Polis were considered members of the community and had political rights. Women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from citizenship.
- Direct Democracy: Many Greek city-states practiced a form of direct democracy, where citizens participated directly in decision-making through assemblies and voting.
- Military: The Polis typically had its own army, called a hoplite army, composed of citizen-soldiers who provided their own weapons and armor.

Examples of Greek City-States:
- Athens: One of the most famous and influential city-states, known for its democracy, philosophy, and arts.
- Sparta: Known for its powerful military and emphasis on discipline and duty.
- Corinth: A major trading city-state, known for its naval power and wealth.
- Thebes: Known for its military strength and the leadership of figures like Epaminondas.

Impact of Polis:
- The concept of the Polis laid the foundation for the development of democratic principles and political participation in ancient Greece.
- It promoted a sense of civic identity and loyalty among its citizens.
- The competition and conflicts between different city-states often led to the development of cultural and intellectual achievements.
- The city-state system also made Greece vulnerable to outside invasions and conquests, as they lacked a centralized authority to unite against external threats.

In conclusion, the term used for the ancient Greek city-state is Polis. The Polis was characterized by its autonomy, centralized administration, citizenship, direct democracy, and military organization. Examples of Greek city-states include Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes. The concept of the Polis had a significant impact on the development of democratic principles and civic identity in ancient Greece.