Her geography Ancient Greece She decisively shaped the history, culture and everyday life of her people. Mountain tumors, extensive coastlines and numerous islands created a fragmented but dynamic world of cities-states, with intense naval activity and cultural diversity.
Ancient Greece was divided into basic geographical units:
- Attica – centered in Athens
- Peloponnese – powerful centers like Sparta and Corinth
- Macedonia – northern Greece
- Thessaly – fertile plains
- Continent – mountain and sparsely populated
- Ionia – Greek cities in Asia Minor
Ancient Greek Mountains
The mountains played an important role in shaping local communities.
- Olympus – the highest mountain, residence of the gods
- Pint – «backbone» of Greece
- Parnassos – connected to the Oracle of Delphi
- Tayget – near Sparta
The mountains made it difficult to move but offered physical protection.
Ancient Greek Seas
The sea was a key element of the life of the ancient Greeks.
- Aegean Sea – main navigation site
- Ionian Sea – west of Greece
- Mediterranean Sea – connection to other cultures
The sea facilitated:
- trade
- colonization
- cultural exchange
Greek Islands
The islands were important centres of culture and commerce.
- Crete – Minoan culture
- Evia – large and strategic island
- Rhodes – mall
- Lesbian – cultural centre
The islands contributed to the spread of Greek culture.
The Climate in Ancient Greece
The climate was Mediterranean:
- Hot, dry summers
- Mild, wet winters
This climate favored:
- agriculture
- outdoor life
- the development of cities
Animals:
- Goats and sheep (basic livestock)
- Cattle (agriculture)
- Horses (mainly for war use)
- Bees (egg production)
Crops:
- Olives
- Vines
- Wheat and barley
- Figs
Olive and wine were basic products of the economy.
- Geography led to the creation of independent cities-states
- Greeks became great sailors because of the many islands
- The colonialism was extended throughout the Mediterranean Sea
- The mountains strengthened the local identity of each area
- Natural resources were limited, strengthening trade