HIST 307 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Olive Oil, Some Cities, Homicide
17 May 2020
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The polis typically had a centrally inhabited area, surrounded by a citadel. Agora- large open space, which served as a public square and civic center. While men held the most rights, women did have protection against seizure and violence. During censuses and population counts, only men were recorded. Growth of some kind of self-government among the male citizens. Some cities had oligarchy, some had democracy. However sparta had two ruling kings who made decisions together. While there was some form of upper class, there was also law code which defined the rights of citizens, implying that the aristocrats listened to the growing masses. While greece had tyrants and tyranny, there were not the opposing kind. Most built grand temples or monuments in the polis they conquered: sought support for the city they conquered, built up armies. In greek armies, soldiers were grouped together in a phalanx (close formation of men, usually 8 deep) Weapons were usually swords or long spears.
