Final answer:
The Ancient Greeks grew crops like olives, grapes, and grains, and raised sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens because these species were well-adapted to the Mediterranean climate and useful for food, clothing, and agriculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Ancient Greeks Cultivated and Domesticated
The Ancient Greeks grew various crops such as olives, grapes, figs, barley, and wheat. These crops were integral to their daily diet and economy. They cultivated plants that were well-suited to the Mediterranean climate, where dry summers and mild winters prevailed. Olives and grapes, for example, are drought-resistant and thrived in the Greek landscape, providing essential food products like olive oil and wine.
In terms of animal husbandry, the Ancient Greeks raised animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. These animals were chosen for domestication due to their adaptability to the Greek environment, their utility for food and clothing, and their role in agricultural practices. Sheep and goats, in particular, were prized for their wool and milk, while also being a key source of meat.
Greeks also had sacred groves near temples, which became sanctuaries for various species such as birds, fish, and reptiles, showing their appreciation for nature. But domestic animals were selected primarily for their usefulness and compatibility with the agricultural and economic needs of the time.