What role did the Polis play in the development of Ancient Greece?

Question

What role did the Polis play in the development of Ancient Greece?

Answer 1

Ducks played almost no role in ancient Greece,  now modern Greece is a different kettle of fish

Answer 2

The Polis - the city - was, for the Greeks, more than just a place to live and work.  It was a place to promote the full mora, spiritual, and intellectual growth of every citizen; and the vehicle within which everyone's highest goals would be achieved.  To be cast out - or exiled - from the city would be like being exiled away from life.