Early Greeks Settled in City-States Greece is located on the end of the Balkan Peninsula. Greece is separated from Asia Minor by the Aegean Sea. Short mountain ranges divide Greece into many small valley areas. The mountains prevented the Greeks from developing a sense of unity. Greece has no important rivers.

The Geography of Greece The climate of Greece is warm and mild. A Mediterranean climate. The soil of Greece supports the growing of grapes, olives, some grains. ( wheat, and barley) Pastures support sheep and goats. The Greeks turned to the sea for trade. From the sea trade comes new ideas and knowledge.

The Minoan Civilization The Minoan civilization was located on the island of Crete. The city of Knossus was discovered by Arthur Evans. The palace of King Minos, and he named the civilization Minoans. The palaces were decorated with colorful frescoes - painted plaster. The written language is still a mystery.

Early Greek Migrations The Minoan civilization was destroyed by a giant tidal wave caused by a volcano. The Mycenaeans moved into Greece from central Asia at about 1600 B.C. They built fortified cities, like Mycenae, Tiryns, and Pylos. They were very warlike and so little survives of their written language. By 1200 B.C. most of cities were gone.

The City States of Greece The Dorians move into the Peloponnesus and conquer and enslave the local people. A dark age occurs because the Dorians can’t read or write. The two main city-states are Sparta and Athens. The Greek word for city-state is polis. The surrounding area was known as the chora.

The City States of Greece Ae Dorians move into the Peloponnesus and conquer and enslave the local people. A dark age occurs because the Dorians can’t read or write. The two main city-states are Sparta and Athens. The Greek word for city-state is polis. The surrounding area was known as the chora.