Greece has a long history dating back to 800 BC when small city-states developed along trade routes between Asia, Africa and Europe. These city-states contributed greatly to Western civilization through their advances in philosophy, art, architecture and literature. Greece was later conquered by both the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Turks, with the latter ruling for 400 years until Greek independence was achieved in the 1830s. Today, Greece remains heavily influenced by its Byzantine and Ottoman past, with the dominant Eastern Orthodox religion and Turkish cultural influences still present. The economy continues to lag behind other European nations, relying on agriculture, tourism and shipping.

1. Section 2Greece

2. HistoryEarly site of trade between Asia, Africa, & Europe800 B.C.Small city-states developedEach had own gods, laws, & form of gov’t (Democracy)Philosophers, artists, architects, & writers contributed to western civilizationKing Philip of Macedonia conquered Greece330 B.C.Alexander the Great conquered Asia Minor, Egypt, Persia, & part of IndiaCombined Greek culture with influences from Asia & Africa140s B.C.Roman Empire conquered Greece & Macedonia

3. The Byzantine EmpireA.D. 400Roman Empire dividedWestern half: ruled by Rome; eventually feel to Germanic barbariansEastern half: became Byzantine Empire; ruled from Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey today); served as a gathering place for people from Asia & Europe; carried traditions of Roman Empire; Eastern Orthodox Christianity developed

4. Turkish Rule1453Constantinople conquered by Ottoman Turks from Central AsiaRemained part of Ottoman Empire for 400 years1821Greeks revolted against Turks1830sGreece became independent

5. GovernmentWWIIOccupied by GermanyCivil war followed (communists wanted a king & constitution)Military took control of country1970sPeople of Greece voted to make country a republicNew constitution adopted with a president & prime minister

6. CultureTurkish influences still present in Greek art, food, & musicReligion98% are Eastern Orthodox ChristiansEaster is a major holidayGreek Orthodox Church has its own calendarX-Mas & Easter celebrated 1-2 weeks after we celebrate

7. Greece TodayMany people view Greece based on things from the past, like the ParthenonEconomyLags behind European nationsMost people work in agricultureOnly 19% of land can be farmed because of the mountainsOld methods of farming are used Raise cotton, tobacco, vegetables, wheat, lemons, olives, & raisinsService & manufacturing industries are growingLack of natural resourcesTourism & shipping are key to economy

8. Cities40% live in rural areasPeople starting to move to cities to find better jobsAthens is the capital & largest city in GreeceMost of country’s economic growth is found hereAir pollution is a problemBeginning to damage historical sites