Ancient Greece

Geography of Greece Greece was NOT a riverine civ. Greece was NOT a riverine civ. No major rivers in Greece No major rivers in Greece Very hilly and mountainous Very hilly and mountainous Early Greeks traded, and were dependent on the seas Early Greeks traded, and were dependent on the seas – Mediterranean and Aegean

Geography Arable land was limited because of rugged terrain. Arable land was limited because of rugged terrain. Sheep and goats were Sheep and goats were more common than cattle. more common than cattle. Main crops: grapes, olives, dates Main crops: grapes, olives, dates

Geography The common Greek diet included: goat cheese, seafood, grapes, olives, and wine. Not much pork or red meat. More fruits and veggies. Very healthy. The common Greek diet included: goat cheese, seafood, grapes, olives, and wine. Not much pork or red meat. More fruits and veggies. Very healthy.

Geography Greeks settled in valley areas between large mountains or hills. Greeks settled in valley areas between large mountains or hills. Cities formed around a central hill called the Acropolis = high city. Cities formed around a central hill called the Acropolis = high city. Temples were built here. Temples were built here.

Government Polis- A small, self-governing city-state. Consisted of the city and surrounding countryside. Polis- A small, self-governing city-state. Consisted of the city and surrounding countryside. Examples: Sparta, Athens Examples: Sparta, Athens

No big, central government ruled Greece. No big, central government ruled Greece. Greeks had no incentive to unify (no large-scale irrigation or agriculture projects like in Egypt and Mesopotamia) Greeks had no incentive to unify (no large-scale irrigation or agriculture projects like in Egypt and Mesopotamia) This led to isolation, localism, and EXTREME patriotism to one’s polis. This led to isolation, localism, and EXTREME patriotism to one’s polis.