The largest role in creating independent Greek city-states was played by the mountainous terrain and numerous islands of Greece. These geographical features led to the development of isolated valleys and small coastal plains, which allowed for the establishment of separate communities. The mountains and sea provided natural barriers that hindered communication and unity among the various Greek regions. As a result, each city-state, or polis, developed its own government, laws, and culture, which contributed to the formation of independent and often rival city-states in ancient Greece.
