Geography of Greece

Geography of Greece

• Based on these maps, what are two things we know about Greece’s geography?– Surrounded by the sea– Mostly mountainous

Mountainous Terrain

• Mountains cover 75% of Greece• Difficult to unite of all Greece

– Hard to communicate – Travel was difficult

• Small independent and culturally diverse city-states form– Polis Greek city-state (Athens, Sparta,

Corinth)

Mountainous Terrain

• Only 20% of the land is arable– Arable Land that is suitable for farming

• Not enough food to support a large population• Crops included grain, grapes, and olives

– How would Greece have to support its growing populations?

• Answer: Expand & Colonize other territories

The Sea

• Greece is a both a peninsula and an archipelago – Archipelago series of islands

• Surrounded by the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas– Almost all settlements within 85 miles of the coast

• Relied on sea for transportation & food• Irregular coastline makes Greece ideal for

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