Geographical setting, natural features and their influence on development

Students are expected to be able to:

• describe the geographical setting and natural features of the ancient society
• explain how the geographical setting and natural features influenced the development of the society

Here is an image of the Acropolis with the Parthenon prominently featured. It shows the physical environment – today

Ancient Greek civilisation has greatly changed the environment pictured here.

This area is known as Attica. It’s easy to find this location using Google maps.

It’s easy to see that people have built on this rocky outcrop. People’s ideas are expressed in the structures on the Acropolis hill.

• Why would ancient Greeks have chosen this place to build?
• What materials did they use to build these structures?
• What reason might people have to build on a hill like this?
• Does Attica provide any unique building materials? Explain.
• How might the physical setting of Attica influenced the development of Pericles Athens?

Click on this link for evidence that will help you answer these questions.

Ancient Athens 3D might also be a useful resource for gaining an orientation