Polis

                      Early Greek civilization quite naturally divided itself into regions that
                      coordinated with the mountainous terrain of the areas.  Over a period
                      of time, these areas developed a centralized urban area.  These urban
                      areas gradually, through location and economic prowess, began to
                      dominate the country around them.

                       In later periods of Greek history, a de facto capitol of this sort became
                       known as a Polis, or "city state."