What type of governments did the Greek city-states have?

The Greek city-states had different types of governments. Some had a direct democracy where all citizens could participate (e.g. Athens), some had a monarchy (Sparta), others had an oligarchy where a small powerful group led the government (Thebes), and others had a single leader or Tyrant (Syracuse).

Did Greek city-states have the same types of government?

Greek city-states were very different in terms of their type of government. There were four main systems: democracy, monarchy, oligarchy, and tyranny. Some city-states changed between these types. Athens, for example, had at one time a democracy and at other times an oligarchy.

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Article:	Ancient Greek Government
Author:	Mark Cartwright
Narrator:	James Lloyd

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James Lloyd

James' main area of research is ancient Greek music, but he has general interests in mythology, religion, and art & archaeology. A self-confessed philhellene, James keeps at least one eye on the Roman pie.

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Mark Cartwright

Mark is a full-time writer, researcher, historian, and editor. Special interests include art, architecture, and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share. He holds an MA in Political Philosophy and is the WHE Publishing Director.

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Ancient Greek Government

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