Question

What are the characteristic features of ancient cities?

Answer 1

a) Souvereignity in foreign policy ("Eleutheria" - Greek for "freedom")
b) Autonomy in legislation and administration for a designated territory ("Autonomia" - Greek f. "self-law-ing")
c) Economic Independence ("Autarkia" - Greek for non-dependence)
d) Association of Citizens (all men with full rights, no slaves etc.) in a certain territory, mostly you differentiate between "Asty" (City), "Chora" (Rural areas around the city) and "paralia" (sea / beach, became relevant especially after the Kleithenic Reforms)