The Role of Geography in the Development of the Polis - Essay Example

The Polis also introduced the concepts that serve as the building blocks for the study of statecraft and politics and is the foundation for much of the political structure used by Medieval Europe.

By the 8th century BC, these tribes grew into political entities that revolved around trade and commerce.  From here, the Polis was born, spurred on by the need for common protection and organization among these entities. 

The Polis was not a structure that was bound by territory as much as it was bound by political, religious, or tribal affiliation of the members.  A polis would be composed of several tribes, or demes; foreigners, or metics; and slaves.  Only the demes would be truly considered citizens and would have the right to participate in the polis’ government.

The Advantages of the City-State

The polis, being a small city-state (Sparta was the largest at only 3000 square miles), allowing for much political experimentation.  In the beginning, various structures were employed by the Greek states – monarchies (rule by kings), oligarchies (rule by a few), timocracies (rule by the wealthy), tyrannies (rule by tyrants or usurpers), and democracies (rule by the people).  The states adopted the structure that they saw most fit for the crises they encountered.

One other advantage of a polis was its size. Since the polis was a small city-based entity, it was easier to manage, organize.  Also, the citizens had a greater influence on city policies and were in a better position for self-determination.

Disadvantages of the City State

Since the city-states were small, they were easy prey for larger kingdoms and invading forces. Although federations and alliances were formed in emergencies, they never lasted.  Squabbling amongst city-states was not uncommon, as was the overthrow of governments. 

The Role of Geography in the Development of the Polis

The peninsular and coastal nature of many of the Greek states allowed for greater sea trade and more trade routes.  It was this increased trade that spurred the development of the polis from amongst tribal units since these tribes needed to organize into an entity to protect this trade.  The geography of the Greek territories also allowed for city-states to be separate geographical territories (especially along the Greek peninsula).

Significance Among the Greeks

The Polis also grew out of the Greeks’ dissatisfaction with the monarchies and centralized states of the Mycenaean era. Its development may be said to be a response to that crisis. The development of the city-state and the political power it afforded the citizens was integral to the increased trade, knowledge, and culture that defined the Greek civilization during this period.