Ancient Greece Geography

• Greece's geography, including mountainous terrain and surrounding seas, influenced the development of its early civilizations.
• The rugged landscape led to the fragmentation of the region into isolated valleys, promoting the formation of independent city-states such as Athens and Sparta.
• Geographic barriers encouraged local identity and self-sufficiency within each city-state, while also fostering competition and conflict among them.
• The abundance of coastlines encouraged maritime trade and colonization, fostering cultural exchange and expansion throughout the Mediterranean basin.
• Greece's geography shaped its political, social, and economic dynamics, laying the foundation for its ancient civilizations.
• Greece's rocky terrain and limited fertile farmland had effects on the early Greek city-states.
• The rugged landscape made large-scale agriculture challenging, pushing the Greeks to adapt their farming practices.
• Agricultural output remained modest, and food scarcity was a constant concern.
• Scarcity of resources fueled competition among city-states as they sought to secure farmland and essential commodities through trade/colonization.
• The rocky terrain facilitated the establishment of fortified city-states on defensible hills, contributing to their independence.
• These circumstances led to a strong emphasis on individuality and autonomy, laying the groundwork for the distinct political systems.
• The need to secure reliable food sources encouraged maritime trade and expansion, which influenced Greek history and culture.

Minoan Civilization

• The name "Minoan" derives from the mythical King Minos.
• In Greek mythology, Minos was the first King of Crete, son of Zeus and Europa.
• Minos appears in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey as the king of Knossos.
• British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans discovered Knossos and coined the name Minoan.
• The Minoan civilization flourished on the island of Crete from approximately 2700 BCE to 1450 BCE.
• The Minoans made contributions to art, architecture, and maritime trade.
• They built palaces, such as the Palace of Knossos, which showcased their unique architectural style and urban planning.
• The Minoans were skilled artisans, creating intricate frescoes and pottery that depicted scenes of everyday life and religious rituals.
• Their maritime prowess enabled them to establish thriving trade networks across the Aegean Sea.
• The Minoans fostered cultural exchange with other ancient civilizations, like Egypt and Mesopotamia.
• The Minoan civilization left an enduring legacy in the Mediterranean region, influencing subsequent Greek civilizations.