Greece is for the most part a rugged area composed primarily of mountains. This and the close proximity to the sea meant that arable (farmable) land was relatively uncommon, so people settled in the areas where farming was possible (Emmons). Due to the mountains and seas the city states rarely unified in a lasting, strong way. They did unite several times in the face of large-scale foreign invasions such as the wars with Persia. (Emmons). The cities functioned independently as small kingdoms, and there were several that were and remained important.
Among the most important city-states were Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Thebes, Argos, Thessaly, and Mycenae (Emmons). Though there were others these consistently were some of the most important city states of Greece. They were also usually leaders or at very least influential in the shaky, short lived alliances that occasionally visited Greece. There were often long power struggles such as the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, one of the greatest conflicts of the ancient era (Emmons). Each city state strived to be the dominating power of Greece, though Athens usually pulled through even after horrific defeats and great losses, as it was difficult for a victor to establish dominance over the complex power struggles between the many cities and regions of Greece (Emmons). Greece rarely unified completely with any strength, this wouldn't be seen until the conquest of Alexander the Great.
Among the most important city-states were Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Thebes, Argos, Thessaly, and Mycenae (Emmons). Though there were others these consistently were some of the most important city states of Greece. They were also usually leaders or at very least influential in the shaky, short lived alliances that occasionally visited Greece. There were often long power struggles such as the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, one of the greatest conflicts of the ancient era (Emmons). Each city state strived to be the dominating power of Greece, though Athens usually pulled through even after horrific defeats and great losses, as it was difficult for a victor to establish dominance over the complex power struggles between the many cities and regions of Greece (Emmons). Greece rarely unified completely with any strength, this wouldn't be seen until the conquest of Alexander the Great.