We think of ancient Greece as the birthplace of democracy and an incubator for philosophers, but what was life really like in a Greek city-state? Who could vote in an election in Athens? What did people see at the theater? How much impact did gods and myths have on their daily lives? And why were neighboring states so often at war? Dig into the history of one of the most creative and influential civilizations in the Western world, where military might and architectural innovation flourished alongside rhetorical brilliance and fantastic legends. This entry in the 30-Second series covers 50 topics in detailed 300-word briefs—readable in half a minute—that are accompanied by a one-line summation, names of key figures, directions for further study, and a full-page illustration.