Unit 5: Ancient Greece Introduction: Geography

Ancient Greece

Made of mountains and water Being so mountainous, most Greek city-states were located on the coast. Some settled inland and were isolated from the another city-states

Ancient Greece - travel Traveling By Land Most walked or rode a cart pulled by mules. Horse were rare and expensive Many times, the rough mountain roads would break the wooden wheels of the carts Main roads had inns, but this only provided shelter. Bedding and food had to be brought with you. Bandits often attacked those traveling

Ancient Greece - travel Traveling By Sea Quicker, but still uncomfortable and dangerous Storms could push boats off course or smash them into the rocky shoreline Usually sailed with the shore in sight Only sailed during the day. Would anchor at night. Captains would sacrifice to Poseidon Pirates often attacked those traveling

Ancient Greece – Farming Good land and a reliable water source was difficult to find. Flat land in Greece is very rare.

Farming Solutions Those who owned lots of land could make their own flat land. They would grow wheat and barley

Farming Solutions Those who owned smaller amounts of land would grow things that required less They would grow grapes and olives

Olives Cooking Soap Oil for lamps Used in trade

Ancient Greece - livestock Mules, Oxen, Donkey Pigs Chickens Goats and Sheep: - wool - milk - cheese

Another solution to lack of farmland Colonies Some city-states went across the Aegean Sea and set up colonies These colonies would grow crops and send it back to mainland Greece They would also trade with the local people and ship these items back to mainland Greece

Trade Coming Out of Greece - Olive oil, pottery, wine Coming in to Greece - Grain (Africa), timber (Italy), metal (Asia Minor) The trip across the Aegean typically took 2 months