Final answer:
The ancient Greeks were unified in culture through shared religious beliefs and traditions, despite being a civilization of independent city-states. The Panhellenic festivals and sanctuaries played a central role in fostering a collective Greek identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ancient Greek:
Shared religious beliefs helped unify the culture of the ancient Greeks at the height of their power, despite being ruled as independent city-states. At the core of ancient Greek unity lay a common language, religion, and deeply intertwined cultural traditions. The Greeks maintained close relationships through religious sanctuaries and festivals that were considered Panhellenic, such as the Olympics, fostering a sense of shared identity.
Through these religious and cultural practices, the Greeks achieved a notable level of coherence across their independent city-states, which often had their own unique political and social systems. Despite their geographical dispersion, the regular congregation for these Panhellenic events underscored a unified Greek identity that resonated throughout the Mediterranean.