What geographical feature isolated the ancient Greeks from each other?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the UCF EUH2000 Western Civilization I Midterm Exam. Review comprehensive flashcards, multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Maximize your study time and ensure success!

The ancient Greeks were significantly influenced by their mountainous terrain, which played a crucial role in shaping their civilization. The central part of Greece is marked by a series of rugged mountains that divide the land into various regions. This geographical feature led to the development of small, independent city-states (poleis) rather than a unified empire.

Due to the mountains, communication and transportation between these city-states were challenging, fostering a sense of local identity and often leading to rivalries among them. Each city-state, such as Athens and Sparta, developed its own government, culture, and way of life, which contributed to the diversity of ancient Greek civilization. Therefore, the mountains acted as a natural barrier that isolated different groups of people, leading to the rich tapestry of Greek history and culture that we study today.