Ancient Greece Geography

Today we started learning about the geography of ancient Greece.  Greece was a land that was very mountainous and was surrounded on all sides by seas.  To the south of the main peninsula was the island of Crete.  Then all around the peninsula were nearly 2000 islands.  Because of their proximity to the sea, the greeks became very capable shipbuilders and sailors.  this helped theri people because it was far more difficult to travel across the land and the mountains than the sea.  Their lack of natural resources on their peninsula also drove them to become better sailors for they had to travel to other lands in order to get what they needed in order to build their civilization.  due to their geography, the greeks had a difficult time forming a central government because everyone was so isolated. Only about 20% of the land is arable, and because of this, their diet consisted of grain, olives, grapes, and fish.  they also had a great climate for outdoor work and lifestyles.  in the winter it got to the mid-forties and in the summer low eighties.