Geography of Ancient Greece

Geography of the Greek World No country called Greece in ancient times Communities of Greek speakers scattered across coasts of Mediterranean Sea Two Continents Asia Europe

A Rugged Land Peninsula- body of land that extends into a body of water on three sides Mainland Greece Many other tinny peninsulas extend from the mainland No major water sources inland (rivers, lakes) 2000 B.C.E. Greek speaking people entered these lands from the north

A Rugged Land Greece is divided by mountain ranges Mountains are good for grazing sheep and goats In between ranges narrow rock valleys and plains Less than ¼ of land can be used to grow crops Only fertile land was near the sea Mountains isolated lowland communities Independent spirit developed among the Greeks Never united under a single government

Surrounded by the Sea Became sailors and merchants Sea brought in contact from outside world Easy access to water makes travel and trade with others easy Became sailors and merchants Contact with outside older world North Africa and Asia

A Mediterranean Climate Winter- mild and wet Summer- hot and dry Ideal for growing: Olives Trees Grape vines Olive oil and win became important trade goods

In your notes.. Copy down the chart and complete the directions DIRECTIONS: Use information from “Greece Lightning (and Other Conditions)” and ”The Aegean World” map. Seven geographic features and predict what you think the impact of each would be on the development of Ancient Greece. Characteristic Impact Positive or Negative?