Geography of Greece
How did the Ancient Greeks affect others?
The modern world continues to be influenced by ancient Greeks' art, ideas, and writings in many ways.
Instead of land, how did the Greeks travel?
By the sea, with ships.
Why was farming hard for the Greeks?
Farming was hard for the Greeks because mountainous land, rocky land, scarce water, and lack of grazing land for animals.
Due to the rise of people, what did the Greeks do?
They started colonies in distant places to find new farmland and to ship that food back home.
What did the Greeks do if they did not have enough farmland to supply everyone?
They traded with other people.
Where was Greece?
Greece is in Southern Europe. The cape reaches the Mediterranean Sea. Mainland Greece is a peninsula or land surrounded by water on three sides.
Why could only rich people travel on land?
Only wealthy people could afford to ride horses.
How did the Greeks solve their farming challenges?
Farmers built wide, earth steps to make room for farming. Most farmers also grew crops that didn't require a lot of land or water, such as grapes and olives. Greek farmers also raised sheeps and goats since they don't require much feeding room (compared to cows).
Why did the Greeks start colonies?
The existing farmland no longer produced enough food to feed all of the people as the populations of Greek communities increased.
What were the goods on the ships owned by?
They were owned by merchants.
How long did Greek reign?
750 to 338 B.C.E.
Why couldn't they travel on land?
Roads were unpaved, sharp rocks broke (wooden) wheels, and thick mud stopped wagons. They also had to carry many essentials.
Why were olives, sheep, and goats especially useful?
Olive oil could be used for cooking, to make soap, and as fuel for lamps. Sheeps supplied wool for clothing, while goats provide milk and cheese. They also could graze on the side of mountains.
What would the Greek do to prepare for a voyage?
They would consult an oracle. An oracle was a holy person believed to be able to talk with the gods. They would also gather food and supplies and take a flame from their town's sacred fire so they could start a sacred fire in their new home.
What were the ships purpose and material?
The ships were made out of wood. Most of these ships were big to carry cargo because of this their journeys were slow and could take up to 2 months for a one-way journey (at about three to five miles per hour).
What is the terrain of Ancient Greece?
Surrounded by water and rough, mountainous terrain.
Why did the Greeks treat the sea with respect?
The Greeks understood the dangers of the sea.
Why did the Greeks fight amongst themselves?
They fought over good farmland since it was rare.
Where and for how long did the Greeks establish colonies?
From 1000 to 650 B.C.E. Colonies spread to Spain, France, Italy, and Africa, and along the coast of the Black Sea.
How did the Greeks navigate their ships?
The Greeks had to use the stars around them to navigate them since there was no such thing as a map or compass. Furthermore, they had no lighthouses to warn them of danger when they got near a coast. After all, the stars could tell sailors a ship's location, but not what hazards lay nearby.
Where did they have islands?
The Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean sea.
What were the dangers of the sea, and how did this affect them?
Sudden storms could drive ships off course or send them smashing into the rocky shoreline. Even in open waters, ships could sink. These hazards encouraged Greek sailors to navigate close to shore, sail only during daylight, and stop at night to anchor.
What did the Greeks keep to themselves?
They had their own gardens filled with fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Bees were also kept to make honey, which was the best known sweetener. Finally, some families kept animals, such as oxen, mules, and donkeys for plowing and transportation. Many Greek families also kept pigs and chickens.
What hardships did the Greek face?
They had to make a long voyage and then find a good place for their colony. They had to search for an area with a natural harbor and good farmland. They sought to avoid places where locals might oppose the new colony. Finally, they needed to build a new community and make it successful.
Who and what did the Greeks trade with?
They Greeks traded among the city-states in the Mediterranean. They traded olive oil, pottery, grain, timber, and metal.