The word polis comes from the ancient Greek word πόλις or pólis meaning "city-state" or "fortified city". It is most often used to refer to the city-states of ancient Greece, such as classical Athens, although it can also refer to a body of citizens. These poleis were the way ancient Greek communities were usually structured. The Dark Ages caused the first poleis to flourish in Greece shortly after the fall of the Mycenaean civilization. Some of the most historically significant were Sparta, Athens and Syracuse. Each polis was composed of an urban center, a sacred center generally fortified, and built either on a port or on an elevated area such as an acropolis. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssayA polis generally consisted of only one city and was small. Each was independent of the others in all respects, including politically, legally and religiously. Therefore, each polis functioned as a state and could be involved in international affairs and relations both with non-Greek states and with other poles. The polis was the central political unit of ancient Greece, so much so that Aristotle himself once said that living in a polis, organized with its own rules, laws and traditions, was a biological characteristic of human beings. Each signified identity as a community and a sense of panhellenism that would impact civilizations for centuries to come. The polis in ancient Greek civilization signified a sense of identity as a community through unique common spaces, events specific to the polis and landmarks. Each polis contained many diverse and unique groups that made up approximately 90% of the population, excluding male citizens. For the polis to function as a united, cohesive community, it had to create a distinct social identity. One way they did this was by creating public spaces where people could mix and socialize. Social spaces accessible to people of all abilities were imperative in daily life. The agora, literally meaning "place of gathering" or "assembly", is an example of a central public space in ancient Greek city-states. It was known as the center of city life, sporting, spiritual, political and artistic. It served as a market for merchants and even as a gathering place to report for military service. Additionally, religious celebrations and festivals on certain days of the year were unique and specific to each polis. They reinforced the distinctive character of each place, often through mythical stories of the region's founders and patron deities, instilling in its inhabitants a sense of pride and identity. Boundary markers, such as distinctive coins such as the Athenian owl coin, polis-specific goods such as Corinthian pottery, and items of civic memory such as public statues of gods or champions sports, were and continue to be essential to each person's strong sense of identity. polished. Although the poleis were unique both culturally and politically, there was simultaneously a strong Panhellenic bond between them due to common characteristics that gave rise to political alliances, wars against non-Greek enemies, and Panhellenic festivals. Accordingly, a polis itself means panhellenism, the idea that what the Greeks have in common distinguishes them :.