Greece

Cradle of Civilizations Who were these? What was the geographic context of these civilizations?

Classical civilizations Classical civilizations created great achievements in art, science, and technology, that had long lasting effects Greece was among the first of these classical civilizations Their development would be very different than that of the Cradle of civilizations

Black Sea Balkan Peninsula Asia Minor Aegean Sea Athens Peloponnesus      Sparta           Rhodes Mediterranean Sea Crete

Greek Landmarks

How will the geographical context impact Greece?

Greece is a peninsula meaning that it is surrounded by water on three sides. These bodies of water are the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Ionian Sea. Greece is considered an archipelago or an island chain as there are more than 1,400 islands making up the territory Geography

Promoted new methods of trade and travel, Greeks became highly skilled sailors Increased emphasis of outdoor lifestyles Irregular coastlines Diet of mainly seafood The Seas

Colonies Due to the difficult geography Greeks would explore and colonize the thousands of islands that made up the peninsula These colonies could be found on Crete, Rhodes, the Middle East and western Europe

Mountains Divided city states allows for each to grow independently New cultures trade with one another while sharing common bonds Pindus Mountains Land was difficult to farm, only 20% is arable Transportation on land is limited

Climate Arid: Having little or no rainfall difficult for farming Mediterranean climate: hot and dry summers cool winters Conditions are difficult for farming Olives and grapes are major crops

Geographic effects Greek city states were isolated from one another Only true similarity is language Different governments, cultures, and armies arise in each city

Early Greeks Minoans Located on island of Crete Ruled under King Minos Relied on sea for resources Myceneans Located on Balkan peninsula Followed Minoan culture and tactics Known as expert shipbuilders

Language Greek language and writing was similar across the region Helped strengthen bonds from trade

Polis Each city state was known as a Polis The Polis's were independent from one another with different governments, armies, and cultures. Polis 

Government Monarchy: Ruled by a king, seen in Minoa and Mycenae Aristocracy: Nobles rule, wealthy and high-ranking social members seen in Corinth Oligarchy: Small group of wealthy and powerful citizens rule nation, found in Sparta Democracy: Citizens vote on issues; majority rule decides major issues found in Athens Government

Culture Athenian culture based on individuals, emphasis on arts, and theatre Spartan culture based on physical strength and soldier lifestyle Each Greek polis was free to build their own culture

Exit Ticket List three geographical impacts on Greece 1. Mountains   2.   3. Write a paragraph (5-6 sentences) on the effects of 1 of these geographical impacts on Greece

Ancient Athens US Both CMOHFP E G Q J L ABKIRND