A key feature of the Ancient Greek polis, or city-state, was its civic structure that emphasized community and participation in governance. Each polis had its own government, laws, and customs, fostering a sense of identity and belonging among its citizens. The agora served as the public space for gatherings, trade, and civic discussion, while temples reflected the religious life of the city-state. Citizens participated directly in political decision-making, especially in democratic polises like Athens, where assemblies allowed for collective governance. This concept of citizenship and civic engagement laid the groundwork for many modern democratic principles.