1. The Long and Irregular Road
Greece Geography
The Long and Irregular Road

3. Characteristics Many peninsulas Long coastline Small islands
Mountain Ranges
No major river system

4. As a result… Long coastline encouraged creation of harbors
Trade becomes important
Greeks become fishers, sailors, traders, and eventually colonizers
Lack of unity as communities developed (mountains)
Creation of city-states (Athens, Sparta, etc.)
Created fierce rivalries

5. … Relied on rainfall and good soil to produce food (river)
Grew grain, grapes, olives (not enough variety led to trade)
Hilly terrain was good for sheep and goats

6. Geography and Culture
The necessity to trade led to interactions with many different peoples
Located between Europe and Middle East
Become first civilized region of Europe
Learn from their travels (new ideas and technology spreads to improve civilization)