Final answer:
The ancient Greek city-states were united by a common Greek language, religion with a shared Greek pantheon, and cultural traditions, including Panhellenic festivals and athletic games such as the Olympics. The correct answer is options 2,4.
Step-by-step explanation:
The independent city-states of ancient Greece, known as poleis, were held together by several key factors. Despite being geographically divided and each city-state fiercely proud of its autonomy, they were united through a shared Greek language, religious beliefs in the Greek pantheon, and cultural norms. Religion played a particularly significant role, as it transcended individual polis identities and cultivated a shared sense of community and identity among the Greeks.
Important religious sanctuaries like Delphi and Olympia hosted Panhellenic festivals, which included the infamous Olympic Games, bringing Greeks from various city-states together in celebration and competition. These festivals allowed for interaction and the reinforcement of common values and beliefs. Another unifying factor was the Greek renaissance marked by a shared political tradition of citizenship and cultural practices such as the narration of epic poems and participation in symposia.
Moreover, the construction of architectural marvels like the Parthenon served as a physical representation of their joint heritage and triumph. Throughout history, the Greeks regarded the non-Greek speaking 'barbarians' as outsiders, further solidifying their internal unity based on language and cultural practices.