Each city-state in ancient Greece had its own form of government. Some, like Athens, experimented with democracy. Some, like Sparta, were ruled by a small group of leaders. Most Greek city-states, like Argos, were ruled by a king.

The Ancient Greek City-State of Argos

The ancient city-state of Argos was built on a plain near a harbor. It was very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. The soil was poor. The people of the city-state of Argos had trouble growing crops. So, they became leaders in trade. Because they traded with other Greek city-states, they invented their own coinage. This invention made trading a lot easier. 

Like all the Greek city-states (except for Sparta), the people of the city-state of Argos built sculptures of athletes with perfect bodies and huge muscles. They wrote plays. They wrote poetry. Their musicians performed in the open air arenas. They loved the arts. They were very good at them.

Perseus, a prince who became a hero

Perseus, Andromeda, and the sea god, Poseidon

King Eury (for short) and the 12 Labors of Hercules 

QUIZ: Ancient Greek City-States, Government (Interactive with answers)