Ancient Greek Geography and Settlement

Flashcards covering the geographical influences, travel difficulties, farming practices, and colonization efforts of Ancient Greece.

The remarkable culture of ancient Greece grew and spread between __________ and 338 B.C.E.

750 B.C.E.

Mainland Greece is a __________, which is land surrounded on three sides by water.

peninsula

The three seas bordering Greece include the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the __________ Sea to the east, and the Ionian Sea to the west.

Aegean

Due to the sharp rocks on unpaved roads and the thick mud, only __________ people could afford to ride horses for travel.

wealthy

Because of navigation hazards and sudden storms, Greek sailors preferred to sail only during __________ and stop at night to anchor.

daylight

To create more flat land for planting on mountainous terrain, Greek farmers built __________ into the hills.

wide earth steps

While wheat and barley were difficult to grow, most Greek farmers grew crops that needed less land, such as __________ and olives.

grapes

The best-known sweetener in the ancient world produced by Greek families was __________.

honey

Instead of cattle, which need flat grazing land, Greeks raised __________ and goats because they could graze on mountain sides.

sheep

When the amount of farmland no longer produced enough food to feed the increasing population, Greeks started __________, or settlements in distant places.

colonies

Before starting a journey to a new land, Greeks often consulted a holy person called an __________ who they believed could speak to the gods.

oracle

When setting out to start a new settlement, colonists took a flame from their town's __________ to start one in their new home.

sacred fire

Greeks established colonies over a period of more than 300 years, specifically from __________ to 650 B.C.E.

1000

The first group of Greek settlers started a colony called __________ in Asia Minor, which is present-day Turkey.

Ionia

Greek merchants often exchanged mainland goods like pottery and __________ for grain, timber, and metal.

olive oil

Because they lacked compasses or charts, Greek sailors used the __________ to guide them and determine their location.

stars

Merchant ships in ancient Greece were built for space rather than speed, traveling at a rate of only __________ to five miles per hour.

three