1. Cultures of the Mountains and the SeaGe

2. Three Important Environmental Influences
The Sea
The Land
The Climate

3. The Sea Greece - a mountainous peninsula
jutting into the Mediterranean Sea
Traveled no more than 85 miles
to the coastline
Aegean, Ionian and Black Seas
were important transportation routes
Greeks became skilled sailors
Trade important – lack of natural resources such as timber, precious metals and usable farmland

4. The Land Rugged mountains cover about ¾ of ancient Greece
Mountains divided the land
into a number of different regions
Greece developed small,
independent communities
within little valleys and
their surrounding mountains
Also included over 2000 islands

5. The Land Mountains made land transportation difficult
Much of the land was stony
Tiny but fertile valleys covered up about ¼ of Greece
Greece never able to support a large population

6. The Climate Had a moderate climate which supported an
outdoor life for many
citizens
Held outdoor public events to discuss public issues, exchange news and take an active part in civic life

7. Mycenaean Civilization
Mycenae located in southern Greece on a steep, rocky ridge,
surrounded by a 20 ft. thick wall
Ruled by a warrior king
Dominated
Greece from
1600 to
1100 BC

8. Influence of Minoans
Mycenae made contact with Minoans through trade or war - realized the value of sea trade
Also adopted the Minoan writing system and art
Minoan-Mycenaean cultures form the basis of western civilization

10. The Trojan War 1200 BC – Mycenaeans fought a 10 year war with Troy
Located in Anatolia (Turkey)
Fought over control of the Aegean Sea

11. The Dorians After the Trojan War, Mycenaean civilization collapsed
Taken over by the Dorians
Dorians far less advanced
Greek culture went into a “Dark Age” - no written language