1. Geography of Greece The Many Islands of Greece

2. Peninsula - Greece is located on a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea. - Greece is almost completely surrounded by water. - Many islands can be found around the peninsula. The large island at the bottom of the map is Crete.

3. The Land - Much of Greece was rocky and barren and bad for agriculture (farming). - Most Greeks lived along the coast where the soil was good for farming.

4. Settlements - Travel across the mountains and seas was difficult. - Communities were isolated from each other. - As a result, the people created their own government system.

5. Trade - Sea and Ships The Mediterranean and Agean Seas were used as a source of food and trading. Greeks traveled to other areas where they found food and products they needed.

6. The Minoans - Early Civilization - Lived on the island of Crete - Influenced (changed or had an effect on) later cultures in Greece - One of the best shipbuilders - Traded wood, olive oil, and pottery for gold, silver and jewels - Volcanic eruptions may have led to the end of their civilization.

7. The Mycenaeans - Early Civilization - First people to be considered Greek - Built fortresses all over the Greek mainland - Took over Crete after the Minoans and became the major traders - Didn’t trade peacefully - Attacked other kingdoms - Fell apart when invaders from Europe came into Greece.

8. Life of a Farmer - Jobs were difficult because… – many people depended on them for food and the weather was often not the best for growing crops. –many crops wouldn't grow. –farmers had to pay a large tax to the government.

9. Crops/Livestock - Three major crops that farmers in ancient Greece grew were grapes, olives, and corn. - Farmers also raised animals that they later killed for food. Donkeys, sheep, and goats were raised most often in ancient Greece.

10. Food - The ancient Greeks ate many different kinds of foods. Since they lived near the Mediterranean Sea, they usually caught fish, squid, and octopus for their meals. - The other kind of meat that they ate was the meat of small birds. - The crops that they grew and ate most were radishes, celery, beans, olives, and different kinds of fruit. - They also grew wheat to make bread and cakes. - Since sugar was not available in ancient Greece, they had to travel to the marketplace to buy honey if they wanted to make sweet cakes. -

11. Review 1. Since Greece was surrounded by sea, what was the sea used for? 2. How did the Minoan civilization end? 3. What was life like for a farmer? 4. What crops were grown?