Final answer:
Geography played a crucial role in shaping ancient Greek city-states, contributing to their independent development, trade, and cultural exchange. The Greeks' mountainous terrain provided protection and fostered diverse political systems, while the sea was crucial for trade and sustenance due to the infertile land.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geography had a significant influence on the development of the ancient Greek city-states. The rugged terrain of Greece, characterized by mountains and hills, contributed to the isolation of communities. This isolation allowed city-states to develop independently, fostering unique forms of government, such as tyranny, oligarchy, democracy, and others. Despite their independence, the Greeks shared a common language, religion, and culture that united them beyond local political affiliations.
Greek colonies, not only those on the mainland but also those scattered across the Mediterranean, were instrumental in spreading Greek civilization. They established trade routes through the Mediterranean and Black Seas, enabling interaction and cultural exchange among different regions. Indeed, the Greeks developed a distinct identity and culture that eventually influenced societies throughout the Mediterranean region.
While Greece's mountainous geography provided protection from invasions and fostered independence, it also presented challenges due to poor, rocky soil. As a result, the ancient Greeks turned to the sea for resources, which led to the development of strong maritime activities such as trade and colonization, contributing to Greece's influence in the wider Mediterranean world.