Chapter 8: Ancient Greece Section 1: Geography and the Early Greeks

Geography shapes greek civilization The Greeks lived on rocky, mountainous lands surrounded by water. Since travel inland across the rugged mountains was so difficult, the early Greeks turned to the seas. On the south was the huge Mediteranean Sea, to the west was the Ionian Sea. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of the Greek mainland. Because traveling by land was difficult, the Greeks became expert shipbuilders.

Main Idea Question #1 On what geographic feature is Greece located? Greece is located on a peninsula.

Why was travel difficult in Greece? Main Idea Question #2 Why was travel difficult in Greece? Travel was difficult in Greece because the mountains and seas were difficult to cross.

Trading Cultures Develop Two of the earliest cultures to develop in Greece were the Minoans and the Mycenaeans. The Minoans and the Mycenaens helped shape later Greek cultures. The Minoans were not considered to be Greek because unlike the Mycenaeans, the Minoans did not speak Greek. The Mycenaeans lived on the Greek mainland, whereas the Minoans lived on an island.

Main idea question #3 Where was the Minoan civilization located? The Minoan civilization was located on the island of Crete.

How was the decline of the Minoans and Mycaneans similar? Main Idea question #4 How was the decline of the Minoans and Mycaneans similar? Both the Minoans and the Mycenaeans experienced natural disasters which led to their decline.

Main idea Question #5 Why did the Mycenaens put such importance on building powerful fortresses? They probably created many enemies because of their trading practices and needed protection.

Greeks Create city-states The Greek word for a city-state is polis. The creation of city-states marks the beginning of what is known as Greece’s classical age. A classical age is one that is marked by great achievements.

Greeks create city-states A Greek city was usually built around a strong fortress. This fortress often stood on top of a high hill called the acropolis. The town around the fortress was surrounded by walls for added protection. Not everyone who lived in the city-state actually lived inside the city walls.

Greeks Create City-states Life in the city often focused on the marketplace, or agora in Greek. The following activities took place in the agora: Greeks held political meetings. Greeks had religious gatherings. Greeks bought and sold goods.

Greeks create city-states Many big cities around the Mediterranean today began as Greek colonies. The following cities began as Greek colonies: Marseille, France Naples, Italy Istanbul, Turkey

A classical age is a time marked by great achievements. Main idea question #6 What is a classical age? A classical age is a time marked by great achievements.

Why did the Greeks decide to establish colonies? main idea question #7 Why did the Greeks decide to establish colonies? The Greeks decided to establish colonies because they wanted to trade, learn more about their neighbors, and deal with their growing population.

How did city-walls and acropolises benefit Greek city- states? Main idea question #8 How did city-walls and acropolises benefit Greek city- states? City walls and acropolises benefit Greek city-states by protecting the city-states from attack.