Geography of Greece Dry and hot climate Small country in Southern Europe. Shaped like a hand with fingers that reach into the Mediterranean Sea. Greece is a peninsula that is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: Mediterranean Sea Aegean Sea Ionian Sea Mountains separated communities The sea was extremely important to Greek life
Traveling In Greece Was a great challenge in Greece Travel by sea: Easiest but still dangerous Pirates were a threat Greatest danger: the sea itself Stayed close to the shore Travel by day, anchor at night Travel by land: Walk Rode in carts pulled by oxen or mules Sharp rocks usually shattered wooden wheels. Only wealthy rode horses
Farming in Greece Most people survived by farming. Farming was hard since land was rocky and water was scarce. No major rivers run through Greece. It rains in the winter months Farmers built wide earth steps into hills to create flat land Farmers grew: Some barley and wheat Olives Olive Oil- used for cooking, soap, and fuel for lamps Grapes Orchards of fruit and nuts Vegetables
Farming and More Farmers raised animals: Sheep- used for clothing Goat – milk and cheese Oxen – for travel and plowing Mules – for travel and plowing Donkeys – for travel and plowing Pigs and chickens
Starting Colonies Colonist: a person who lives in a colony Colonies: are settlements in distant places Many did not have enough farmland to feed their families. People started colonies to reduce this problems People were sent over sea hoping they could grow food in new lands (colonies). Colonists were sent to do this
Preparations for Colonists Wanted to make sure the gods Greek felt it would be a successful journey. Followed these steps: 1. Spoke with a oracle Oracle: a holy person whom they believed could talk to the gods. 2. Gathered food and supplies. Take a flame from towns sacred fire so they could start fire in new home 3. Long sea voyage to new land 4. Looked for areas that had harbors and good farmland. 5. Establish a community and work hard to make it survive.
Established Colonies Colonies were established for more than 300 years Colonies spread Greek culture Greeks started colonies in: Spain France Italy Africa Along coast of Black Sea