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City-States

Definition

City-states refer to independent self-governing cities and their surrounding territories. These cities have their own governments, laws, and economies.

Analogy

Imagine a city-state like a small town with its own mayor, police force, and local businesses. Each town operates independently but is still part of the larger country.

Related terms

Empires: Large political entities that conquer multiple city-states or regions under a single ruler.

Athens and Sparta: Famous Greek city-states known for their contrasting political systems and rivalry.

Italian Renaissance City-States: Independent urban centers in Italy during the 14th to 16th centuries that were hubs of art, culture, and commerce.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.