Correct Answer: a political system based on independent city-states.
the geographical features of greece, particularly its mountainous landscape and numerous islands, played a significant role in shaping the political structure of ancient greek civilization. the most notable influence was the development of a political system based on independent city-states, known as poleis. each city-state functioned as a separate entity with its own government, laws, and military.
the rugged terrain of the greek mainland, characterized by mountains and valleys, naturally divided the land into isolated regions. this geographic segmentation made communication and transportation challenging. as a result, communities grew independently, with limited interaction. this isolation fostered a sense of independence and self-reliance, which became a fundamental aspect of greek political identity.
similarly, the myriad of islands scattered across the aegean and ionian seas further encouraged the formation of independent communities. each island developed its own way of life and governance, reflecting the particular needs and resources of their isolated environments. the seas, while serving as barriers, also provided routes for trade and cultural exchange, yet this did not lead to political unification.
this fragmented political landscape stood in stark contrast to the empires of the near east, which typically had vast, centralized administrations ruling over large territories. in greece, no single ruler or central government could easily control all these dispersed and autonomous communities, each fortified and adapted to its unique geographical setting.
thus, the mountainous terrain and numerous islands of greece were fundamental in shaping a political system based on independent city-states. this system influenced not only the internal dynamics of greece but also its interactions with other civilizations, impacting its military strategies, economic practices, and cultural developments. the legacy of these independent city-states can still be seen in modern concepts of political autonomy and democracy.
|