What type of governance was common in Mycenaean society?

In Mycenaean society, the common governance structure was characterized by the formation of city-states, which were autonomous units centered around a fortified palace. These city-states, known as "polis," functioned as independent political entities that managed their own affairs, including defense, trade, and local governance. Each city-state was typically ruled by a king, often referred to as a "wanax," who held both political and religious authority.

The city-state model allowed for the development of distinct cultural and social identities among different Mycenaean centers, such as Mycenae, Tiryns, and Pylos. This structure contrasted with a more centralized form of governance, as seen in later empires where a single ruler exerted control over a vast territory. Instead, Mycenaean city-states operated with a level of local autonomy and were often involved in both alliances and conflicts with each other, showcasing the competitive nature of their governance.

This governance system laid the foundation for later developments in ancient Greek political structures, providing a blueprint for the evolution of city-states that would become prominent in the classical era.