Greece Geography Notes

Essential Questions How did Solon reform Greece? What is the difference between a direct and an

indirect democracy? How did the climate affect daily life in Ancient

Greece? Why did the Greeks establish colonies? What were Athens and Sparta?

Location Peninsula between the Aegean and Mediterranean

Seas Within sailing distance of the Fertile Crescent and

Egypt promoted contacts for trade and ideas

Deep Harbors Supported merchants and traders Exported wine, olive oil, and marble Imported grains and metals Cultural diffusion evidence of Greek culture and

influence throughout the Mediterranean region

Mountainous Terrain Development of city-states rather than a central

government Poor farmland pushed people to colonize land

outside of Greece Greeks established colonies on the shores of the

Mediterranean and Black Seas Greek colonies were established to ease overcrowding

in mainland Greece Dependence on trade

Mild Climate Public life outdoors, where people discussed issues

and news

Greece Government Notes

Types of Government

Monarchy a king or monarch rules

Aristocracy government ruled by a small group of noble, land-owning families

Types of GovernmentDemocracy Rule by the people

Indirect citizens elect representatives who rule according to the people

Direct citizens rule directly and not through representatives

Oligarchy government is ruled by a few powerful people

Greek Reformers - Draco 621 B.C.E. - he wrote the first Greek legal code It dealt with contracts and property ownership The result was more conflicts between aristocrats

and the poor

Greek Reformers - Solon 594 B.C.E. - he was chosen to lead the government

to stop civil war He outlawed slavery and ruled that all citizens can

participate in assembly Created beneficial economic reforms Neglected land reforms so the fighting between classes continued

Athens vs. Sparta Activity

Athens vs. Sparta Clear your desks of everything and remember that

this is an INDEPENDENT activity! Based on what you might know about ancient

Athens and Sparta: if you think you would have rather lived in Athens,

come to the front of the room if you think you would have rather lived in Sparta, go

to the back of the room.

Athens vs. Sparta Now, we will read several sections of information

about each of these two city-states. After a section on each is read, if you would like to

change where you live you may. If you want to stay, don’t move. Be prepared to defend either choice.

We will continue until all topics are covered and everyone is living where they choose.