CHAPTER 8: ANCIENT GREECE

SECTION 1: GEOGRAPHY AND THE EARLY GREEKS

GEOGRAPHY SHAPES GREEK CIVILIZATION

The Greeks lived on rocky, mountainous lands surrounded by water.

Since travel inland across the rugged mountains was so difficult, the early Greeks turned to the seas. On the south was the huge Mediteranean Sea, to the west was the Ionian Sea.The Aegean Sea lies to the east of the Greek mainland.Because traveling by land was difficult, the Greeks became expert shipbuilders.

MAIN IDEA QUESTION

#1

On what geographic feature is Greece located?

Greece is located on a peninsula.

MAIN IDEA QUESTION

#2 Why was travel difficult in Greece?

Travel was difficult in Greece because the mountains and seas were difficult to

cross.

TRADING CULTURES DEVELOP

Two of the earliest cultures to develop in Greece were the Minoans and the Mycenaeans.

The Minoans and the Mycenaens helped shape later Greek cultures.

The Minoans were not considered to be Greek because unlike the Mycenaeans, the Minoans did not speak Greek.

The Mycenaeans lived on the Greek mainland, whereas the Minoans lived on an island.

MAIN IDEA QUESTION

#3 Where was the Minoan civilization

located? The Minoan civilization was located on

the island of Crete.

MAIN IDEA QUESTION

#4 How was the decline of the Minoans and

Mycaneans similar? Both the Minoans and the Mycenaeans experienced natural disasters which led

to their decline.

MAIN IDEA QUESTION

#5 Why did the Mycenaens put such importance on building powerful

fortresses? They probably created many enemies because of their trading practices and

needed protection.

GREEKS CREATE CITY-STATES

The Greek word for a city-state is polis.

The creation of city-states marks the beginning of what is known as Greece’s classical age.

A classical age is one that is marked by great achievements.

GREEKS CREATE CITY-STATES

A Greek city was usually built around a strong fortress.

This fortress often stood on top of a high hill called the acropolis.

The town around the fortress was surrounded by walls for added protection.

Not everyone who lived in the city-state actually lived inside the city walls.

GREEKS CREATE CITY-STATESLife in the city often focused on the marketplace, or agora in Greek.The following activities took place in the agora:Greeks held political meetings.Greeks had religious gatherings.Greeks bought and sold goods.

GREEKS CREATE CITY-STATESMany big cities around the Mediterranean today began as Greek colonies. The following cities began as Greek colonies:Marseille, FranceNaples, ItalyIstanbul, Turkey

MAIN IDEA QUESTION

#6 What is a classical age?

A classical age is a time marked by great achievements.

MAIN IDEA QUESTION

#7

Why did the Greeks decide to establish colonies?

The Greeks decided to establish colonies because they wanted to trade, learn more about their neighbors, and deal with their

growing population.

MAIN IDEA QUESTION

#8

How did city-walls and acropolises benefit Greek city-states?

City walls and acropolises benefit Greek city-states by protecting the city-states from

attack.