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Lesson 2 The Rise of Greek Cities |
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City-States of Greece Each Greek region usually had one city at its center. Most city-states, or polis, were built around an acropolis, a walled hill where people could seek safety during an attack or natural disaster. Trade and town meetings were held in an open area called an agora. The leaders of each city-state had to be citizens of their polis in order to be elected to the government. |
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Two Greek City-States Sparta and Athens were the most famous Greek city-states. Most Spartan farm workers were helots who had to pay half their yearly crops as taxes. Spartan leaders decided to make Sparta the strongest military power in Greece. Boys were taught at an early age to be soldiers and worked with their fathers as farmers, potters, or stoneworkers. Girls learned household tasks and weaving. Athenian government became a democracy which means "rule by the people." |
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A Common Greek Culture The ancient Greeks were polytheistic. Their gods and goddesses were believed to live on Mount Olympus. All Greeks worshipped Zeus, the king of the gods and goddesses. Every four years athletes met at Olympia for the Olympic Games. Homer was a famous poet who wrote two epic poems, the Iliad and The Odyssey. |
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