How did it work in Ancient Greeks?

Answer 1

It was based on a town, which grew from farmers who owned their plots of land which they lived off, and had a central refuge in a fortified hill against predatory nomads, pirates and other towns seeking to expand. They hired a notable warrior to lead their defence efforts. This is the scenario in the epic poems - Iliad and Odyssey.

As things developed, the town became a city, and defence was organised by aristocratic leaders, who replaced first guardian warriors and then petty kings. Then the lesser landowners flexed their muscles - the aristocracy needed the fighting support of the lesser landowners, and had to give them an increased say in affairs, leading ultimately to experiments in direct democracy.

The people comprised different levels - the landowners who also made up the warrior element and so were dominant, the landless who pursued trades, fishing, artisan, artistic and labouring activity - they also provided light infantry support to the armoured warriors as their contribution to security of the city and lands.

Women were usually kept in purdah, getting out only for women's religious festivals. They worked on the farm and in weaving and supervising domestic slaves, and mothered the children.

Slaves provided a workforce for those able to afford them. They had no rights, but often moved freely about in their varied jobs. A few suffered in the metal mines until their early death; degraded free men also worked there.

Resident aliens who were useful to the city were allowed some rights short of citizenship. They were required to fight in defence of the city to repay the privilege.

Answer 2

It was based on a city-state - a tract of farming land with a central city. The city provided civilised amenities - temples, baths, theatres, shopping malls and government buildings. The city was also usually walled for defence against invasion by other cities or nomads. Work was done by the farmers and tradesmen, helped by their families and their slaves.

Governance was generally by the adult male citizens who were owners of property, though this was extended to all male citizens in the cities which experimented with full democracy.

The army was provided by property owners who had a suit of armour, however the non-propertied were also called up as light infantry and marines. The navy was manned by both city-based sailors and other rowers hired in from other cities.

Answer 3

How did what work.