updated 9-03-03

Chapter 2:  The Cultural Context of Myth--Geography
pages 16-20
60 points possible

Because the geography of a people plays such an important role in the stories they tell, your task in this chapter is to understand the physical world in which the Greeks lived.  The maps on page 15 and on the inside front and back covers can help you understand where the Greeks lived, but you should also see if you can find these places on a globe and on a map that shows better geographical details.

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1.  (10)  What is the general climate of the areas in which the Greeks lived?  Could the Greeks get a rich and varied diet from crops that will grow in this type of climate?  What 2 crops did grow well that they could eat and trade for other kinds of food, for other goods, or for money?

2.  (10)  What impact do mountains have on the availability of farm and grazing land?  What impact did this have on the value of cattle and horses?  Why might a person who owned a lot of cattle and horses become a leader or king?

3.  (10)  How did the mountains help keep the early Greeks from becoming united under one government?  What kind of government did they develop instead?

4.  (10)  Why were clay and marble so important to the Greeks?  What do modern students learn by looking at the clay and marble items the Greeks made?

5.  (10)  The sea was enormously important to the Greeks.  What roles did the sea and its seaports play in improving their food supply?  What kinds of businesses might spring up around a seaport that would increase their wealth?  What role did the sea and seaports play in enriching their culture?

6.  (10)  People often tell myths about natural forces they don't understand or cannot control.  What kinds of things do you think they might have told about based on their geography?