Distinguishing between public and private, political and religious, military and diplomatic institutions, which is characteristic of analyses of the modern state, is inconceivable for the ancient Greek world. In Greece, in fact, the boundary between public and private was different (with the former prevailing over the latter); politics and religion were deeply interrelated; and public administration, diplomacy, and military organisations had no autonomy. All was plis: duties and acts were carried out within the civic body; on the external front, it formed relationships with other pleis. This handbook describes, in a clear, concise way, the birth, the development and the political institutions of Greek pleis, from Athenian "democracy" to Spartan oligarchy, and, in conclusion, examines interstate relations.

Contents: Introduction - 1. The Best Politea: Greek Theoretical Thought - 2. Origins and Development of the Plis - 3. Athens and the Birth of Democracy - 4. Membership in the Civic Community - 5. Democratic Institutions: The Athenian Model - 6. Oligarchic Institutions: The Spartan Model - 7. Interstate Relations - Chronology - Bibliography - Index

Gabriella Poma teaches Ancient Greece and Rome in Letters and Philosophy Faculty at the University of Bologna.