25.1 Isolated Communities and the Difficulties of Travel

The mountains and the seas of Greece contributed greatly to the isolation of ancient Greek communities. Because travel over the mountains and across the water was so difficult, the people in different settlements had little communication with each other.

Travel by land was especially hard.  People mostly walked, or rode in carts pulled by oxen or mules.  Roads were unpaved.  Sharp rocks frequently shattered wooden wheels, and thick mud could stop a wagon in its tracks.  Only wealthy people could afford to ride horses.

Travelers could stop at inns on the main roads, but many inns provided only shelter. People had to bring their own food and other supplies with them. Slaves or pack animals carried bedding, food, and other necessities. With all these goods to take with them, the Greeks often traveled in groups, moving at a slower pace than someone traveling alone.

Traveling by water was easier than traveling by land. You can see on the map that mainland Greece is a peninsula, made up of smaller peninsulas. Ancient Greeks were never far from the water. To the south of Greece is the Mediterranean Sea; to the east, the Aegean Sea; and to the west, the Ionian (ahy-OH-neeuhn) Sea. The ancient Greeks soon learned to travel by ship.

The Greeks understood the dangers of the sea and treated it with great respect. Sudden storms could drive ships off course or send them smashing into the rocky shoreline. Even in open waters, ships could sink. These hazards encouraged Greek sailors to navigate close to shore, sail only during daylight, and stop at night to anchor.