1. ANCIENT GREECE Introductory Notes: Geography and Origins Miss Naclerio World History

2. Essential Questions How did geography (location, physical features) influence the Greek way of life and their interaction with other people? How did geographic features impact the formation of city-states?

3. Greek civilization did not begin on the mainland…… Greek civilization was greatly influenced by Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. Minoan civilization was the first civilization that began not on the mainland but on the island of Crete. Later, Mycenaean civilization developed in numerous city-states on the Greek mainland. When the Minoan traders sailed they often headed for Egypt which was just across the Mediterranean. They traded with the Eyptians and brought back goods such as linen to Crete.

4. Major Geographic Features Mountains Valleys: fertile and rocky soil Seas

5. Impact of Mountains Limited interaction between city-states Difficult for people of Greece to develop a sense of unity Polis (city-state) the center of Greek life

6. Impact of the Seas Good harbors Trade and cultural exchange Many became fishermen, sailors and merchants

7. Impact of fertile and rocky soil Grew grapes and olives Herded sheep Greeks could not produce enough food to sustain themselves so many became fishermen, sailors, shipbuilders and traders. They traded wine, olive oil, and wool. They developed a pottery industry to help transport their goods.

8. Geographical influences on culture and economy: INDIVIDUALITY became a value UNIQUE philosophies like democracy developed Trade with other civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia influenced elements of Greek culture Trade flourished Greek culture spread throughout the Mediterranean region and the Greeks brought the best of other cultures back to Greece.

9. Classwork Directions: Please READ page 106-108 in the blue book. You will find that two main city- states emerged: Sparta and Athens. CREATE a T-chart comparing and contrasting the characteristics of each city- state. Keep in mind how geographical features played a role in the development and characteristics of each city-state.