Establishing Colonies

Lesson 25 : Section 3 - Starting Colonies

As the populations of Greek communities increased, the existing farmland no longer produced enough food to feed all of the people. One solution was to start colonies, or settlements in distant places.  Many Greek communities sent people across the sea, in search of new places to farm so that they could ship food back home.  People who set up colonies are called colonists.

Multiple Choice

One of problems with the geography of Greece being so mountainous and small was ........?

• there was not enough restaurants

• there was not enough farmland

• Greece was lacking big mansions

• too many mountain lions

Starting Colonies

The ancient Greeks made many preparations before starting a journey to a new land. Often, they began by consulting an oracle to ask the Greek gods whether their efforts would be successful. An oracle was a holy person who the Greeks believed could communicate with the gods.

Next, the colonists gathered food and supplies. They took a flame from their town's sacred fire so they could start a sacred fire in their new home.

Starting Colonies

The ancient Greeks made many preparations before starting a journey to a new land. Often, they began by consulting an oracle to ask the Greek gods whether their efforts would be successful. An oracle was a holy person who the Greeks believed could communicate with the gods.

Next, the colonists gathered food and supplies. They took a flame from their town's sacred fire so they could start a sacred fire in their new home.

Multiple Choice

Before starting a journey Greeks would consult an oracle to find out what the Gods had in store. In this context consult means ......?

• tell someone a joke

• wash someone's clothing

• a financial meeting

• seek information or advice

Starting Colonies

Greek colonists faced many hardships. They had to take a long sea voyage and then find a good location for their colony.  They looked for areas with natural harbors and good farmland.  They tried to avoid places where the local people might oppose the new colonies.  Finally, they had to build their new community and make it successful.

Multiple Choice

When looking for locations to start new colonies they tried to avoid places where local people might oppose new colonies. Why did they probably avoid these areas ?

• They did not want to start a war or conflict.

• They knew some areas had better actors and performers.

• The Greeks were real wimpy and scared of everyone.

• They probably had no where to park their boat.

Starting Colonies

The Greeks established colonies over a period of more than 300 years, from 1000 to 650 B.C.E.  The first group of settlers started a colony called Ionia, in Asia Minor, in what is present-day Turkey.  Later groups started colonies in Spain, France, Italy, and Africa, and along the coast of the Black Sea.

Multiple Choice

The previous map showed a wide spread colonization of the Greek society. What transportation method did the Greeks probably use to spread out that far ?

• trains

• chariots

• boats

• early automobiles

Starting Colonies

These colonies helped spread Greek culture.  Some flourished through farming and trade.  Colonists continued to enjoy whatever rights they once held in their home country of Greece, including the right to  participate  in Greek athletic games.

Multiple Choice

One positive side effect of having many traders in your society was that .........?

• people often got sea sick from being on boats.

• traders got sunburned from being outside so much.

• you could spread your culture and learn new cultures.

• people learned new ways to make pizza.