Geography and Early Greeks

How did Greek communities see themselves?

• as one united kingdom

• as separate countries

• united by their belief in polytheism

• a country united by a king

Answer explanation

Greek communities viewed themselves as separate countries, each with its own identity and governance, rather than as a single united kingdom or under a king. Their shared culture and polytheistic beliefs did not unify them politically.

What sea was to the south of Greece?

• Ionian Sea

• The Atlantic Ocean

• Mediterranean Sea

• The Black Sea

Answer explanation

The Mediterranean Sea lies to the south of Greece, making it the correct answer. The Ionian Sea is to the west, the Atlantic Ocean is far to the west, and the Black Sea is to the northeast.

What did Greeks use as a source of food and a way of trading with other communities?

• sea

• rivers

• farming

• Publix

Answer explanation

The Greeks relied heavily on the sea for food, such as fish and seafood, and used it for trade with other communities, exchanging goods and resources. This made the sea a vital part of their economy and sustenance.

The earliest people to live in the area known as Greece were...

• Cretans

• Dorians

• Minoans

• Mycenaeans

Answer explanation

The Minoans were the earliest known civilization in Greece, flourishing on the island of Crete around 2000 BCE. They are recognized for their advanced culture and influence on later Greek civilizations.

What is another name for a city-state?

• acropolis

• peninsula

• polis

• agora

Answer explanation

A city-state is often referred to as a 'polis', which is a term used in ancient Greece to describe a self-governing city that also encompasses its surrounding territory.

Instead of forming a civilization under one government, the ancient Greeks formed communities called ___________ with their own governments and economic systems.

• settlements

• colonies

• city-states

• provinces

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'city-states' because ancient Greeks formed independent communities, each with its own government and economy, known as city-states, rather than unifying under a single government.

Even though farming was difficult, the Greeks were able to grow grapes and olives.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is true because, despite the challenges of farming in Greece, they successfully cultivated grapes and olives, which were essential to their economy and culture.

How did the geography (land and climate) impact the Greeks?

• Flooding made farming difficult.

• The mountains allowed invaders to attack Greece.

• The seas prevented the Greeks from traveling and trading.

• The mountains separated the Greeks causing them to form separate communities called city-states.

Answer explanation

The mountainous geography of Greece led to the isolation of communities, resulting in the formation of independent city-states. This separation influenced their political and cultural development.

What physical features dominate Greece?

• deserts and plateaus

• rivers and plains

• lakes and mountains

• mountains and seas

Answer explanation

Greece is characterized by its rugged terrain, with mountains covering about 80% of the country, and it is surrounded by seas, including the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean. This makes 'mountains and seas' the dominant physical features.

How was it possible that different parts of Greece had different forms of government?

• Different languages made communication difficult

• Steep mountains kept people apart

Answer explanation

The steep mountains in Greece created natural barriers, leading to isolated communities. This isolation resulted in the development of different forms of government, as each region adapted to its unique circumstances.