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