The Modern Mediterranean

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The Modern Mediterranean
The Italian Peninsula
The Iberian Peninsula
The Balkan Peninsula
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The Ancient Mediterranean
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Topographic Map of Greece
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Ancient Greece
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The Role of Geography in Ancient Greece
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The Role of Geography in Ancient Greece
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The Role of Geography in Ancient Greece

• Mountains Cover most of Northern Greece
• Enclose small fertile valleys where limited
  farming and herding was possible
• Isolated Greek communities

Effects

• Small city-states developed.
• Prevented Greek unity
• The Greeks were strong and enduring due to the
  rugged terrain and lifestyle

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The Role of Geography in Ancient Greece
City-state - A city and the surrounding land
under its control Polis - A Greek city-state
Four Characteristics of a Greek Polis

• Small size - usually 1000 - 4000 square miles.
• Small population - Usually 5000 - 10,000 people.
• Acropolis - An elevated area of the city. Served
  as a religious and government center.
• Agora - A market place. Public meeting place.

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The Role of Geography in Ancient Greece
The Acropolis in Athens
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The Role of Geography in Ancient Greece
The Athenian Agora
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The Role of Geography in Ancient Greece
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The Role of Geography in Ancient Greece

• Seas Surround Greece and islands
• The Mediterranean borders three continents and
  allowed Greek contact with other civilizations
• The Greek mainland had long coastlines and an
  abundance of deep natural harbors.

Effects

• Many Greeks turned to the sea and became
  merchants, traders, sailors, and fishermen
• Ideas spread easily and promoted cultural
  diffusion

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The Role of Geography in Ancient Greece

• Climate Mediterranean Climate
• Hot dry summers with little rain.
• Mild wet winters
• Rivers run dry. No major rivers.
• Temperatures range from 48-80 degrees F

Effects

• Greeks spent most of their time outdoors and were
  very social
• They exchanged ideas openly as they worked and
  socialized.
• Most free time was spent in the Agora.

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The Role of Geography in Ancient Greece

• Soil and Vegetation
• Soil is rocky and poor in fertility producing
  only one crop every two years.
• Vegetation consisted mostly of fruit and olive
  trees and grape vines.

Effects

• The Greeks were forced to turn to the sea to
  supplement food supply.
• They traded for grains from the middle east.
• Primary exports were wine, olive oil, and
  manufactured goods.

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The Role of Geography in Ancient Greece
Common Characteristics of all Greeks

• Common language
• Common religion
• Common festivals (Olympics)
• Common management of temples

Factors Preventing Greeks Unity

• Geography
• Distrust
• Differing customs
• Fierce spirit of independence

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