The Power of Political Movements The Rise of the Greek City-States The Greek city-states emerged in the 8th century BC, as a result of the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization. These city-states were independent political entities, each with its own government, laws, and military. The most important city-states included Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes. The Causes of the Rise of the Greek City-States The collapse of the Mycenaean civilization in the 12th century BC led to a perioof chaos and anarchy in Greece. This chaos allowed for the rise of a new type of political the city-state.