Inquiring minds often seek to understand the historical context of events, and the question of "When did the polis end?" is a profound one that delves into the heart of ancient Greek civilization. The polis, or city-state, was a fundamental unit of governance and social organization in Ancient Greece. It encompassed a variety of political systems, ranging from monarchies to democracies, and played a pivotal role in shaping Western political thought and institutions. However, the demise of the polis was not a sudden event, but rather a gradual process that occurred over centuries. Could you elaborate on the factors that contributed to the decline of the polis and pinpoint a specific timeframe in which it ultimately came to an end?
8 answers
DigitalLegend
Sat Jun 22 2024
The conventional viewpoint holds that the Greek polis came to an end at the Battle of Chaironeia in 338 B.C.
Nicola
Sat Jun 22 2024
However, the work 'An Inventory of Archaic and Classical Poleis' challenges this perspective.
EmeraldPulse
Fri Jun 21 2024
Instead, Greek cities retained a degree of autonomy and self-governance within the broader Roman Empire.
henry_grayson_lawyer
Fri Jun 21 2024
It argues that the notion of the polis's demise is grounded in the assumption that autonomy was a defining characteristic.
DigitalLord
Fri Jun 21 2024
Therefore, the Battle of Chaironeia does not mark the definitive end of the Greek polis, as citizens remained active in their city's administration.