Matching Pairs The PolisOnline version What are the Characteristics of the Polis in Ancient Greece by Joseph Falk 1 True of the Polis 2 Not True of the Polis 3 True of the Polis 4 True of the Polis 5 Not True of the Polis City-states existed in Ancient Greece both before and after the Dark Ages. the people of the city-states were loyal to their city-states the polis contained a large population and a vast amount of territory. the urban (city) center of the polis was protected by fortifications Anyone who lived in the polis was a citizen.