Question

Who held the most power in a polis? Who held the least?

Answer 1

Answer:

King held the most power, and slaves held the least

Explanation:

Greek poleis were not one homogenous group that had the same structure. Therefore, depending on the polis, the most power would be held by the monarch, oligarch, or democratic structure or people (free, adult males). While today we connect the idea of democracy with ancient Greece, it was only present in the polis of Athens. Most of the poleis were organized as monarchies, so, therefore, King held the most power in the largest number of the polis.

Those who had no rights and state in the society held the least power in the polis. These would be slaves, who did not have freedom or the right to vote. However, women and children could also put in the category of having the least power as they were not considered citizens and were completely dependent on the adult male from their house.