SS Ch.8 Lesson1

The Land of Greece
Present-day Greece is located on the Balkan Peninsula.
Mountains cover nearly ¾ of mainland Greece, where the
soil is thin and rocky. About 2,000 islands surround Greece’s
jagged coastline.

Life Among the MountainsGreeks settled in narrow valleys in the mountains
Separation by mountains kept them from uniting
Rivers were no use for travel
Agriculture was difficult because only 20% of the land is good for agriculture
Raising animals was difficult as well.
Life Among the Mountains
Ways of adapting
Raised small animals, such as sheep, goats, pigs
from these animals, they got wool, hides and cheese
Farmed barley, wheat, olives, and grapes
Use of olives
Cooking, lamp fuel, bathing, perfumes

Life by the SeasThe surrounding seas provided an abundance of fish and an easier way to travel rather than hiking
The Greeks started a seafaring culture of fishers, sailors, and traders.
Greeks settled near shores and contacted other settlements through the sea, exchanging ideas and religious beliefs

Poseidon, Greek god of the sea, ruled and watched over sailors and their boats.

Exchange and Trade
Surplus helped Greeks expand
Farming olives, grapes, and grains in dry climate and rocky soil helped them grow
As a result of farming, craft workers fashioned tools, containers, clothing, and decorative objects from wood, clay, bone, wool, stone, and metal.

JarsA need for jars grew because of wine and olive oil had to be stored
Greeks began exporting goods, of which wheat was a popular export item.
Trade led to exchange of ideas, and this led to the use of metals for objects like weapons, tools, and bowls.

Farming surpluses of olives, grains,
and grapes allowed the early
people of Greece to trade for
resources they did not have.
Food surpluses and improved
farming techniques led to
new kinds of jobs.