A polis, which is often translated as a city-state, was the fundamental political unit in ancient Greece. It was a complex structure that comprised different social groups. The three main groups that made up a polis were:
- Citizens: This group included free men who had the right to participate in the political life of the polis. They had a voice in governance, could hold public office, and were responsible for military service. Citizenship was typically limited to native-born males, excluding women, slaves, and foreigners.
- Metics: Metics were foreign residents living in the polis. They were often merchants or craftsmen who contributed to the economy but held fewer rights than citizens. While they could live and work in the city, metics didn’t have the right to vote or hold public office.
- Slaves: Slavery was a common practice in ancient Greece, and slaves formed a significant part of the population in many city-states. They had no rights and were considered property. Slaves performed various roles, from domestic servants to laborers in fields and mines, supporting the economy and the households of their masters.
Understanding these groups gives insight into the social structure of the polis and the dynamics of ancient Greek civilization.