From N.S. Gill,
Your Guide to Ancient / Classical History.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Definition: The polis (plural, poleis) was the ancient Greek city-state. The word politics comes from this Greek word. The polis was the central urban area that may also have controlled the surrounding countryside. Athens was the urban center of Attica; Thebes of Boeotia; Sparta of the southwestern Peloponnese, etc. Each of these three poleis was separate from the others.

Also Known As: city-state

Examples: The polis of Athens was the birthplace of democracy.