world's first democratic governments.

common language, religion, and culture bound the people together.

stressed the importance of the individual and encouraged creative thought

created new forms of expression, which explored human personalities and emotions.

The Greeks usually fortified a hill, called an acropolis,

within the city for defense.

Ancient Greece lacked adequate farmland, rainfall, and water for irrigation, and so crop production was limited. The mountains provided huge amounts of limestone and marble for building construction and clay for making bricks and pottery. But Greece had few other mineral deposits. Timber was plentiful at first. However, it became increasingly scarce as the people cut down many trees without replanting the forests.

depend on overseas trade for needed goods.

Only citizens could own land and take part in government. Noncitizens consisted of women, slaves, and serfs. Unlike slaves, serfs were not considered personal property.