1. Section 2 Greece

2. History Early site of trade between Asia, Africa, & Europe 800 B.C. Small city-states developed Each had own gods, laws, & form of gov’t (Democracy) Philosophers, artists, architects, & writers contributed to western civilization King Philip of Macedonia conquered Greece 330 B.C. Alexander the Great conquered Asia Minor, Egypt, Persia, & part of India Combined Greek culture with influences from Asia & Africa 140s B.C. Roman Empire conquered Greece & Macedonia

3. The Byzantine Empire A.D. 400 Roman Empire divided Western half: ruled by Rome; eventually feel to Germanic barbarians Eastern 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 Rule 1453 Constantinople conquered by Ottoman Turks from Central Asia Remained part of Ottoman Empire for 400 years 1821 Greeks revolted against Turks 1830s Greece became independent

5. Government WWII Occupied by Germany Civil war followed (communists wanted a king & constitution) Military took control of country 1970s People of Greece voted to make country a republic New constitution adopted with a president & prime minister

6. Culture Turkish influences still present in Greek art, food, & music Religion 98% are Eastern Orthodox Christians Easter is a major holiday Greek Orthodox Church has its own calendar X-Mas & Easter celebrated 1-2 weeks after we celebrate

7. Greece Today Many people view Greece based on things from the past, like the Parthenon Economy Lags behind European nations Most people work in agriculture Only 19% of land can be farmed because of the mountains Old methods of farming are used Raise cotton, tobacco, vegetables, wheat, lemons, olives, & raisins Service & manufacturing industries are growing Lack of natural resources Tourism & shipping are key to economy

8. Cities 40% live in rural areas People starting to move to cities to find better jobs Athens is the capital & largest city in Greece Most of country’s economic growth is found here Air pollution is a problem Beginning to damage historical sites