What word did the Greek use for a city state? What was an acropolis?

The Greek word used for a city-state was "polis" (plural: "poleis"). A "polis" was an independent and self-governing city-state in ancient Greece. Each "polis" had its own government, laws and sometimes its own currency, and they were often characterized by their own unique cultural and political identities.

An "acropolis" was a prominent feature in many ancient Greek city-states. It refers to a high or elevated area within a city, usually a hill or a rocky outcrop, that served as a fortified citadel or the religious and ceremonial center. The most famous example is the Acropolis in Athens, which housed several iconic buildings including the Parthenon and was dedicated to the goddess Athena, the city's patron deity. The acropolis was often a site for important temples, monuments and other significant structures in the life of the city.