The Long and Irregular Road Greece Geography The Long and Irregular Road
Characteristics Many peninsulas Long coastline Small islands Mountain Ranges No major river system
As a result… Long coastline encouraged creation of harbors Trade becomes important Greeks become fishers, sailors, traders, and eventually colonizers Lack of unity as communities developed (mountains) Creation of city-states (Athens, Sparta, etc.) Created fierce rivalries
… Relied on rainfall and good soil to produce food (river) Grew grain, grapes, olives (not enough variety led to trade) Hilly terrain was good for sheep and goats
Geography and Culture The necessity to trade led to interactions with many different peoples Located between Europe and Middle East Become first civilized region of Europe Learn from their travels (new ideas and technology spreads to improve civilization)