Geography of Ancient Greece

Greece had natural barriers such as the sea and the mountains.

The first civilization lived on Crete, a mountainous island off the coast of mainland Greece. However, this had both pros and cons for the civilization that developed in this area.

Greece was located in Europe. The Greeks built their homes along the mountainous hills by the sea. They had about 20% of land to grow crops. They also raised domesticated animals as well as relied on the sea for food.

The first civilization were the Minoans (mih-NOH-uhn). They were skilled shipbuilders and fishermen. They traded goods with other people. Because they were isolated from other people, they relied on their civilization to create rules and laws for their people in order to remain a civilized society.

The next civilization that developed in Ancient Greece were the Mycenaeans. (my-SEE-nee-uhnz).

After invading Crete, the Mycenaeans adopted the Minoan culture. They copied Minoan art, architecture, religion, writing, trade, metalworking, and shipbuilding.