Services
The MediterraneanThe area around the Mediterranean had very large agricultural potential. This is one of the main reasons why it was a popular area for Greek settlers.
|
Eastern ExpansionThe Greeks had mostly expanded west towards Europe. However, they had a small territorial conflict with the expanding Persian empire in the Middle East. The presence of the Persians is some of the reason why the Greeks didn't expand much to the east.
|
City States of GreeceGreece has had long term impacts on today's society. Athens is often referred to as "The cradle of democracy" simply because majority voting and opinionated debate for government was introduced there. Many of the widely accepted methods of military education and discipline were introduced by the Spartans.
|
Sicily
Sicily played a major role in Greek expansion. Southern Italy and Sicily became popular areas for Greek settlers, mostly because of its extremely fertile soil. Grapevines and olives were introduced in the colony of Syracuse. Native populations such as the Secani and the Sicel were influenced by Greek culture and religion. Many temples of worship were built in the area of the southern Mediterranean.
|
Once the Greeks had started expanding, their religion/mythology became more widespread and accepted. The Greeks experienced large agricultural surpluses from the fertile lands they had claimed. The Greco-Punic wars between the Greeks and the Carthaginians were fought over the island of Sicily because it was so fertile.
|