From about 2000 to 800 B.C.E., a monarch, or king, ruled most Greek city-states. In a monarchy, the governing power is in the hands of one individual, usually a king. Greek settlements did not allow queens to govern.

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​Greek Monarchy

Initially, the people of a Greek city-state chose the kings. When a king died, another leader was selected to replace him. In time, however, kings demanded that, after their death, their power be passed to their children, typically to the oldest son. Consequently, Greek monarchs rose to power through inheritance.

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Greek Monarchy

The kings of ancient Greece possessed many powers. They had the authority to create laws and act as judges. They also conducted religious ceremonies and led their armies during wars. Additionally, they could use force to punish people who disobeyed the laws or didn't pay their taxes.

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​Greek Monarchy

Kings had councils of aristocrats to advise them. The word aristocrat is derived from a Greek word that means "best." The aristocrats were wealthy men who had inherited large pieces of land.

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Greek Monarchy

At first, councils of aristocrats had little actual power. However, during wartime, kings depended on their support since only the rich aristocrats could afford to supply soldiers with horses and armor. The aristocrats soon realized that, as a group, they were stronger than their king and wanted a share of his power.

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Greek Monarchy

In some city-states, aristocrats insisted that their king obtain the crown through an election rather than an inheritance. Then they limited a king's rule to a certain number of years. Eventually, aristocrats in many city-states overthrew the monarchy and took the power for themselves. By 800 B.C.E., very few Greek city-states were ruled by kings.

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Greek aristocrats