Geography of Ancient Greece

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 extended to the southern Balkan peninsula, including its islands Aegean Sea and the coasts of Asia Minor.

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