The Impact of Geography on Ancient Greece

Greece was known as the “Birthplace of Western Civilization” because its culture became the epitome for the succeeding western civilizations. The geography of ancient Greece had many positive and negative effects on Greece. Just the location of Greece itself was unique. Tall mountains, the length of those mountains, its hot climate, and the fact that it is located in the middle of an active volcanic area made Greece stand out from the other civilization. These features of Greece make it one of the most interesting civilizations, which would later thrive and conquer most of the Mediterranean and influence other civilizations.

One positive effect that was caused by Greece’s geography was the mountains. It is signified that,” The Acropolis is a precipitous hill about 200 feet high. In 300 B.C., the hill was used as a large fort.” This means that they had high ground and they used it to their advantage to keep them safe, which allowed them to win many wars and become one of the most populous civilizations around 300 B.C. In effect of this many civilizations around the world looked up to Greece and wanted to follow in their footsteps.

A negative effect that was caused by Greece’s geography, was by its location. The location of Greece was unique because Greece was located in the middle of an active volcanic area “There are several active volcanoes and earthquakes are very common. Santorini Island of Thera was sunken after a volcanic eruption in 1450 B.C., which destroyed the island civilization.” As a result of Greece being located in the middle of a volcanic area many deaths, fears, and anxiety were caused due to the unpredictable nature. Also, during this time Europe and Africa’s tectonic plates were moving.

Another positive effect that was caused by Greece’s geography was its climate. The climate of Greece is hot and dry which is ideal to grow one specific fruit, olives. Since the best weather to grow olives is in a hot/dry climate Greece was the best place. They were able to grow a lot of olives so they traded it. It is mentioned that,” ...Greeks traded olive oil throughout the Mediterranean for products like grain, perfume, fabrics, dyes, beef, and papyrus.” Also, olive oil was so valuable that when there were wars, the opposite team will cut down their olive trees.

Finally, a negative effect that was caused because of Greece’s geography was that mountains isolated each city-state that was lead by Greece. This caused city-states to believe that they were their own country, which sadly also means that they fought a lot, especially Sparta and Athens. “The city-states fought against each other, especially Sparta and Athens, who were bitter rivals and started the Peloponnesian War.” This explains that though they lived in Greece and supported Greece they didn’t act like it.

The geography of Greece affected it in both positive and negative ways. These ways were through mountains, location, and climate. All these features play an important role in Greek geography, which would later make it the most democratic civilization around 300 B.C.