Acropolis vs. Metropolis — What's the Difference?

An acropolis was the settlement of an upper part of an ancient Greek city, especially a citadel, and frequently a hill with precipitous sides, mainly chosen for purposes of defense. Most commonly known is the Acropolis of Athens, yet every Greek city had an acropolis of their own.

A metropolis () is a large city or conurbation which is a significant economic, political, and cultural center for a country or region, and an important hub for regional or international connections, commerce, and communications. The term is Ancient Greek (μητρόπολις) and means the "mother city" of a colony (in the ancient sense), that is, the city which sent out settlers.

The fortified height or citadel of an ancient Greek city.

A major city, especially the chief city of a country or region

A raised area holding a building or cluster of buildings, especially in a pre-Columbian city.

A city or an urban area regarded as the center of a specific activity

A promontory (usually fortified with a citadel) forming the hub of many Grecian cities, and around which many were built for defensive purposes before and during the classical period; compare Acropolis.

(Ecclesiastical) The chief see of a metropolitan bishop.

The upper part, or the citadel, of a Grecian city; especially, the citadel of Athens.

The mother city or country of an overseas colony, especially in ancient Greece.

The citadel in ancient Greek towns

The mother (founding) polis (city state) of a colony.

A large, busy city, especially as the main city in an area or country or as distinguished from surrounding rural areas.

(Orthodox Christianity) The see of a metropolitan bishop, ranking above its suffragan diocesan bishops.

(ecology) A generic focus in the distribution of plants or animals.

The mother city; the chief city of a kingdom, state, or country.

The seat, or see, of the metropolitan, or highest church dignitary.

Any large city.

A large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts;

People living in a large densely populated municipality;