This conceptual paper represents an attempt to reflect on the notion of the "ancient Greek polis"--a subject of study and sometimes heated debate for many philosophers and historians worldwide--as a paradigm of a city that can offer some insight into modern states, in an era of globalisation and tense multiculturalism. By providing a synthesis of information, based on a selection of well-known philosophers' and historians' writings, who have studied extensively the structure and development of ancient Greece and its impact on modern times, this paper aims to draw some conclusions, as useful lessons for modern societies, learned from the ancient Greek "polis." (Contains 1 note.)