Geography of Greece

The Many Islands of Greece

Peninsula - Greece is located on a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea.

- Greece is almost completely surrounded by water. - Many islands can be found around the peninsula. The large island at the bottom of the map is Crete.

The Land

- Much of Greece was rocky and barren and bad for agriculture (farming).

- Most Greeks lived along the coast where the soil was good for farming.

Settlements

- Travel across the mountains and seas was difficult.

- Communities were isolated from each other.

- As a result, the people created their own

government system.

Trade - Sea and Ships

• The Mediterranean and Agean Seas were used as a source of food and trading.

• Greeks traveled to other areas where they found food and products they needed.

The Minoans - Early Civilization

- Lived on the island of Crete- Influenced (changed or had an effect on) later cultures in Greece- One of the best shipbuilders- Traded wood, olive oil, and pottery for gold, silver and jewels- Volcanic eruptions may have led to the end of their civilization.

The Mycenaeans - Early Civilization

- First people to be considered Greek - Built fortresses all over the Greek mainland- Took over Crete after the Minoans and became the major traders- Didn’t trade peacefully- Attacked other kingdoms- Fell apart when invaders from Europe came into Greece.

Life of a Farmer

- Jobs were difficult because…– many people depended on them for food

and the weather was often not the best for growing crops.

– many crops wouldn't grow.– farmers had to pay a large tax to the

government.

Crops/Livestock

- Three major crops that farmers in ancient Greece grew were grapes, olives, and corn.

- Farmers also raised animals that they later

killed for food. Donkeys, sheep, and goats

were raised most often in ancient Greece.

Food- The ancient Greeks ate many different kinds of foods. Since they lived near the Mediterranean Sea, they usually caught fish, squid, and octopus for their meals. - The other kind of meat that they ate was the meat of small birds. - The crops that they grew and ate most were radishes, celery, beans, olives, and different kinds of fruit. - They also grew wheat to make bread and cakes. - Since sugar was not available in ancient Greece, they had to travel to the marketplace to buy honey if they wanted to make sweet cakes.

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Review

1. Since Greece was surrounded by sea, what was the sea used for?

2. How did the Minoan civilization end?

3. What was life like for a farmer?

4. What crops were grown?