Geography Shaped Greek Civilization

• The SeaGreece was poor in resources, but the location of Greece enabled the Greeks to travel and trade with the rich civilizations of Asia and Egypt.

Geography Shaped Greek Civilization• The Land

– 3/4ths of Greece is covered with mountains.– Transportations was extremely difficult by land.– The mountains influenced Greek political life. It

was very difficult to unite the country under one government.• The Greeks lived in a collection of small

independent communities.– You decide! Why would Greek land not be

suitable for large scale farming?

Geography Shaped Greek Civilization

• The Climate– Greece has a Mediterranean climate.

Temperatures were moderate and rain only falls in the winter season.

– The Greek way of life for men was an outside life: marketplace, gymnasium, political meetings, theater, civic and religious celebrations.

– For the Greeks, taking an active part in civic life became both a duty and virtue.