Explaining the Effects of Geography

Question

Which statement best describes how physical geography affected ancient Greek settlements?

A. Ancient Greek settlements were built in the mountains due to the rugged landscape.
B. The ancient Greeks developed city-states on fertile land near river banks.
C. The mountainous land forced settlements to form very close to the sea.
D. The mountains allowed the Greeks to unite its people under one government.

Answer 1

C. The mountainous land forced settlements to form very close to the sea.

This statement best describes how physical geography affected ancient Greek settlements. The rugged, mountainous terrain of Greece made it difficult for communities to expand overland, leading many settlements to be established near the coast for trade, fishing, and transportation. This geographic feature contributed to the development of independent city-states rather than a unified empire.