Geography of Greece
Dry and hot climate Small country in Southern Europe. Shaped like a hand with fingers
that reach into the Mediterranean Sea.
Greece is a peninsula that is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: Mediterranean Sea Aegean Sea Ionian Sea
Mountains separated communities The sea was extremely important
to Greek life
Traveling In Greece
Was a great challenge in Greece
Travel by sea: Easiest but still dangerous
Pirates were a threat
Greatest danger: the sea itself
Stayed close to the shore
Travel by day, anchor at night
Travel by land: Walk
Rode in carts pulled by oxen or mules
Sharp rocks usually shattered wooden wheels.
Only wealthy rode horses
Farming in Greece
Most people survived by farming. Farming was hard since land was rocky and water
was scarce. No major rivers run through Greece. It rains in the
winter months Farmers built wide earth steps into hills to create
flat land Farmers grew:
Some barley and wheat Olives
Olive Oil- used for cooking, soap, and fuel for lamps
Grapes Orchards of fruit and nuts Vegetables
Farming and More
Farmers raised animals:Sheep- used for clothingGoat – milk and cheeseOxen – for travel and
plowingMules – for travel and
plowingDonkeys – for travel and
plowingPigs and chickens
Starting Colonies
Colonist: a person who lives in a colony
Colonies: are settlements in distant places
Many did not have enough farmland to feed their families.
People started colonies to reduce this problems
People were sent over sea hoping they could grow food in new lands (colonies). Colonists were sent to do this
Preparations for Colonists
Wanted to make sure the gods Greek felt it would be a successful journey. Followed these steps:
1. Spoke with a oracle
Oracle: a holy person whom they believed could talk to the gods.
2. Gathered food and supplies. Take a flame from towns sacred fire so they could start fire in new home
3. Long sea voyage to new land
4. Looked for areas that had harbors and good farmland.
5. Establish a community and work hard to make it survive.
Established Colonies
Colonies were established for more than 300 years
Colonies spread Greek culture
Greeks started colonies in: Spain France Italy Africa Along coast of Black Sea