Final answer:
The challenging geography of Greece, with its poor, rocky soil and lack of natural resources, led the ancient Greeks to become skilled sailors and traders. They cultivated valuable commodities like olives and grapes, founded colonies across the Mediterranean and Black Sea, and leveraged their strategic location to dominate trade routes. The necessity of a strong navy for trade and war further emphasized their maritime prowess.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geography of Greece played a significant role in shaping the Greeks into accomplished sailors and traders. The challenging topography, characterized by mountains, hills, and poor, rocky soil, meant that traditional agriculture was difficult, leading the Greeks to turn to the sea for their livelihood. The lack of rich soil and substantial natural resources like mineral deposits made trade and maritime affairs a more viable economic opportunity. Thus, the Greeks became adept at cultivating olives and grapes, valuable commodities that could be traded across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Greece's strategic location and the abundance of islands, such as Crete and the Cyclades, situated in key trade routes between Europe, Asia Minor, Egypt, and the Near East, further bolstered the necessity for strong maritime skills. With the end of the Dark Age and the recovery of population levels, Greek colonies proliferated along the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, which created a widespread network for trade and cultural exchange. Greek merchants traded goods ranging from olive oil and wine to metalwork and adopted the practice of planting crops better suited to the more fertile lands outside of mainland Greece.
The construction of a powerful navy, exemplified by Athens during the Persian Wars, also illustrates the importance of naval capabilities for the Greeks. Establishing and maintaining a strong navy was essential for protecting trade, establishing dominance in the Mediterranean, and for the city-state's very survival. Navigation and seamanship became areas of expertise for the Greeks, making them formidable traders and sailors throughout antiquity.