The Archaic Greek World, c. 700-500 BCE Ancient Greece - Ancient Mediterranean History

Development of the Polis

begin to take off after 700 BCE, result of previous developments in rebirth following Dark Age (panehellenism, literacy, colonization), Similar to Mesopotamian city-states in that they were independent/self governing, controlled an urban center + a rural hinterland that they drew most of goods from,

formalized

citizenship

citizenship was

Limited to adult men (Women, children, non-Greeks, and enslaved people were excluded, effectively no political rights)

After collapse of Mycenaean monarchy

aristocracy emerges

middle of 7th century BCE

tyranny rises and spread through Greek world to become prevalent form, lasting for about 100 years (c. 650-550 BCE)