A city-state in ancient Greece was a self-governing city that also controlled the surrounding countryside. It was a political unit that was both a city and an independent state, with its own government, laws, and customs. Examples of ancient Greek city-states include Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes.
People in ancient Greek city-states interacted with one another through trade, politics, and cultural exchange. They would travel between city-states for trade or to participate in athletic competitions, religious festivals, or political meetings. There were also occasional conflicts between city-states, such as wars or disputes over resources or territory. In addition, people within a city-state interacted with one another through community events, political discussions, and religious rituals. The city-state was a central part of ancient Greek life and identity, and it played a significant role in shaping the political and cultural history of ancient Greece.