Concept in Definition ABC

The concept of polis or city-state in ancient Greece should not be understood from a point of view urban planning, since its authentic meaning is related to the individuals that make up the town. On the other hand, the term polis is the etymological root of words like politics, cosmopolitan, police or necropolis.

Polis basics

The classical polis is, above all, a community of citizens with full independence, since it is not subordinate to any other State. However, in some periods the cities of Sparta, Athens or Thebes joined forces to unite against common enemies, especially the Persians.

The religion Official and the state make up a whole, so that citizens are united by both political and religious ties. Thus, the laws or nomoi regulate the activity of the polis and the beliefs in the different gods generate a series rituals (for example, offerings at shrines or visiting oracles to learn about the plans of the gods).

From a philosophical point of view, the Greeks understood that individual happiness could not be achieved by

margin of the community and, therefore, citizens cannot and should not ignore public affairs.

Citizens, foreigners, slaves and women in classical Athens

In the case of Athens, its organization is based on the democracy direct in which free citizens participate in assemblies. The citizenship Athenian required two conditions: to be the son of Athenians and to be of legal age.

The population as a whole was divided into three categories: citizens, foreigners or Metics, and slaves.

The former could participate in public life by debating or being part of the organs of government of the polis. The Metec had certain rights (they could engage in business but not politics and although the marriage between citizens and Metecos it was allowed, their descendants were not recognized as citizens of Athens).

The slaves came from the spoils of war and were the ones who carried out the majority of work activities, they were usually well treated by their masters and they did not have any type of rights (for example, marriage between slaves lacked legal validity and their union had to be authorized by their owners).

The wife of a citizen she lacks all political rights and legally she is as if she were a slave. A woman's life is centered on domestic activities and family life, and in order to enter into marriage she needs the authorization of her father.

Photos: Fotolia - Steinar / Tonovavania

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