From about ​2000 BCE to 800 BCE, a monarch or king ruled most Greek city-states.

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​In a monarchy, the governing power is in the hands of one individual

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Greek settlements did not allow queens to govern.

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When a king died the power passed to his children - usually the oldest son.

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Monarchs created laws and acted as judges 

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Conducted religious ceremonies

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Led their armies during wars

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Punish people who disobeyed the laws or didn't pay their taxes

Kings had councils of aristocrats to advise them. 

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Kings depended on rich aristocrats soldiers with horses and armor. 

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The aristocrats soon realized that, as a group, they were stronger than their king

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Aristocrats in many city-states overthrew the monarchy and took power for themselves.

By 800 B.C.E., very few Greek city-states were ruled by kings.