Geography
This geographic feature made Greece's early life unique by limiting communication and transportation, leading to the development of independent city-states.
Mountains
This civilization is known for building the palace at Knossos and for their impressive artwork.
Minoan
These settlements, often founded in distant lands, had strong ties to their Greek homeland.
colonies
This is the term for the independent city-state that was common in ancient Greece, especially after the Dark Age.
polis
This was a major reason why both Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations collapsed, according to some historians.
dark age
Greece is a land surrounded by water on three sides. This geographic feature helped shape its trade and culture.
Peninsula
These Greek people were skilled in metalwork and fought in the Trojan War.
Mycenaeans
This was one of the major goods traded between Greek colonies and the mainland after the Dark Age.
metal or pottery
This form of governance was common in Greek city-states after the Dark Age, where citizens participated directly in decision-making.
democracy
Due to Greece's location on the Mediterranean, this type of resource was critical for trade and economic growth.
olive oil or wine
This body of water, located to the east of Greece, was vital for trade and exploration.
Aegean Sea
These Greek people came from central Asia, eventually settling on the mainland of Greece.
Mycenaeans
The creation of this made trade easier and helped Greece recover from the Dark Age.
coins
Every Greek city-state had this group to protect its citizens and defend its territory.
military/hoplites
The Minoans were known for their advanced building, such as the palace at this site, which was discovered by archaeologists.
Knossos
The Greek cities often had flat land ideal for farming, especially in this type of region.
Plains
This ancient civilization patrolled the eastern Mediterranean to protect their trade ships from pirates.
Minoan
This was one major effect of the Greek colonies, especially after the Dark Age.
spread of Greek culture
This type of Greek government was typically led by one ruler who claimed authority, often in times of war.
monarchy
This famous Greek city-state was known for its emphasis on education, philosophy, and democracy.
Athens
The early Greek civilization was divided into small, independent groups known as these.
Communities (later, a polis)
The ruins of their palaces were discovered by archaeologists, offering insight into their advanced society.
Minoans
After the Dark Age, Greek colonies contributed to this important activity throughout the Mediterranean region
trade
This was the primary military unit in many Greek city-states, especially in Sparta.
phalanx
In a Greek city-state, this term refers to the central public area where people gathered for business and social activities.
agora