1. Birthplace to democracy
Ancient Greece
Birthplace to democracy

2. Vocabulary
Peninsula: an area of a country surrounded by the sea on all sides but one
Polis: Greek word for city and the root word in politics and metropolis
Colony: a territory settled and controlled by a parent state

3. Cities and Colonies
Greek civilization develops around 800 bce and reaches it’s golden age around 500 bce
Greece is bordered by the Mediterranean and Aegean seas
It is covered with mountain ranges, steep hills, and deep valleys
Fresh water is scarce and only a few rivers permit transportation and irrigation
This lead to the development of independent city-states

5. Agriculture
Despite poor soil the inhabitants of Greece harvested grains such as wheat and barley
They also cultivated grapevines and olive trees
They also raised small livestock such as goats and sheep
The Greeks had to turn to the sea to prosper as they could not produce enough resources

6. Economy
As of the 8th century BCE the Greeks started to create polis in the valleys
The two major polis were Athens and Sparta
However the peninsula’s rough terrain hindered Greece’s growth
So from the 8th to the 6th centuries BCE the Greeks established colonies and trading posts all around the Mediterranean sea and the Black Sea
These colonies satisfied the food needs of the polis and assured opportunity for trade
This allowed people to develop crafts and Trade

7. Expansion As they grow they strengthen their Naval forces
This increases ports and their wealth
By the 5th century Greece's sea and trade power dominate the Mediterranean
Athens is in full expansion