Explain the difference between a colony and a polis

A polis is usually used to describe the Greek City States of Ancient Greece such as Athens. It also has meaning as a term for citizenship or a body of citizens under a governing body. However, a colony is very different in that a colony is a territory or geographic area that has been occupied by an external power and has been placed under its control. Examples of colonies include the American Colonies once controlled by the British or French Indo-China which were French Colonies in Southeast Asia.