What caused the development of independent city-states in Greece?
Greek city-states likely developed because of the physical geography of the Mediterranean region. The landscape features rocky, mountainous land and many islands. These physical barriers caused population centers to be relatively isolated from each other. The sea was often the easiest way to move from place to place.
Why were Greek city-states isolated and independent from one another?
Because of natural barriers like mountains and sea, many communities in Ancient Greece were isolated and developed independently of each other. These communites were called city-states. Each city-state had its own government, laws, money, and surrounding territory called a hinterland.
Where did the Greeks establish their city-states and why?
The Greeks established their city states in the small valleys and along the coast where the most fertile land lay. 3. The acropolis was a fortified hill within the city for defence.
How did the Greek civilization develop?
Ancient Greek civilization flourished from the period following Mycenaean civilization, which ended about 1200 BCE, to the death of Alexander the Great, in 323 BCE. By that time, Greek cultural influence had spread around the Mediterranean and, through Alexander the Great's campaign of conquest, as far afield as India.
What were the benefits of dividing Greece into city-states?
Another key factor influencing the formation of city-states rather than kingdoms was the Mediterranean. Such a calm and easily navigable sea provided the Greeks with an opportunity to found new colonies in times of crisis and overpopulation. It also appealed to their sense of heroism and adventure.
Where did the Greek city-states establish colonies?
Where did the Greek city-states establish colonies? The Greek city-states established colonies in Italy, Africa, and Byzantium.
How did government and culture develop as Greek city-states grew?
Government evolved as well because most city-states had evolved from a monarchy to an aristocracy to an oligarchy. In the case of Athens, they had evolved into a new style of government called democracy.
How did the geography of Greece contribute to its development?
The mountains isolated Greeks from one another, which caused Greek communities to develop their own way of life. Greece is made up of many mountains, isolated valleys, and small islands. This geography prevented the Greeks from building a large empire like that of Egypt or Mesopotamia.
How did government develop as city-states grew?
Government evolved as well because most city-states had evolved from a monarchy to an aristocracy to an oligarchy. In the case of Athens, they had evolved into a new style of government called democracy.
How did the government in ancient Greece develop?
Athenian democracy developed around the fifth century B.C.E. The Greek idea of democracy was different from present-day democracy because, in Athens, all adult citizens were required to take an active part in the government. If they did not fulfill their duty they would be fined and sometimes marked with red paint.