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 – 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 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