Who held political power in the cities of ancient civilization?

In ancient civilizations, political power was typically held by a combination of kings, monarchs, or emperors, often supported by a class of nobles or aristocrats. In some city-states, such as those in ancient Greece, power could also rest with elected officials or councils representing citizens. Religious leaders often wielded significant influence as well, intertwining governance with spiritual authority. Ultimately, the structure of power varied greatly depending on the specific civilization and its cultural context.