Geography of Greece. How did it affect the people living in the region?
Ancient Greece was made up of peninsulas covered with mountains and many islands.
These mountains and vast expanses of water kept the people isolated in their city-states.
And rocks ... plenty of rocks! There are very few places in Greece where crops such as wheat can be grown.
http://www.kidport.com/Reflib/WorldGeography/Greece/Greece.htm
Scroll down to read a description of the land. It hasn't changed much since ancient times. Transportation has improved, but the land formations have not.
The geography of Greece played a significant role in shaping the lives and culture of its people. Here's how it affected them:
1. Mountainous Terrain: Greece is characterized by rugged mountains, with more than 80% of its land covered by hills and mountains. This geography led to the creation of numerous small, isolated communities due to the difficulty of travel and communication. These isolated communities developed their own local customs, dialects, and traditions, resulting in a sense of local identity and a lack of a centralized Greek state for much of its history.
2. Lack of Arable Land: The mountainous terrain of Greece limited the amount of arable land available for farming. As a result, Greeks became heavily dependent on the sea for trade and communication. The need to seek resources from other regions, coupled with a lack of fertile land, encouraged Greek exploration and colonization, spreading Greek culture throughout the Mediterranean.
3. Mediterranean Climate: Greece has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate was conducive to the growth of olive trees and the production of olive oil, which became a vital part of the Greek economy. Additionally, the mild climate allowed for outdoor activities, such as athletic competitions in ancient Greece, which became an integral part of Greek culture.
4. Access to the Sea: Greece is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, providing easy access to trade routes and opportunities for maritime commerce. The sea played a crucial role in the development of Greek civilization, as it facilitated trade, communication, and cultural exchange with other nations. The Greeks became skilled sailors, establishing colonies, trading with neighboring regions, and spreading their influence throughout the Mediterranean basin.
5. Strategic Location: Greece's location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa positioned it as a meeting point of various cultures and civilizations throughout history. As a result, Greece was impacted by the influence of different empires, including the Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. This exposure to diverse cultures enriched Greek society and contributed to its intellectual, artistic, and architectural achievements.
In conclusion, the geography of Greece, with its mountainous terrain, lack of arable land, Mediterranean climate, access to the sea, and strategic location, influenced the Greeks' way of life by shaping their sense of community, dependence on maritime trade, reliance on sea-related resources, exposure to different cultures, and the development of a unique Greek civilization.