Mediterranean Sea
Region
The Mediterranean Sea is joined to the Atlantic Ocean by one small section, but is otherwise surrounded by land. It is bordered by Southern Europe to the North and by North Africa on the South. During Ancient Greek times, much of the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea was controlled by the Greek Empire.
Trade Routes
Since they controlled much of the Mediterranean and Black Seas' coasts, the Greeks were busy sailing ships carrying important goods between the colonies, such as their chief exports, olive oil and wine.
Sea Monsters
Because so many Greeks were mariners, many of their stories were inspired by the dangers of the sea. Sailors often told stories of sea monsters that lured soldiers and swallowed whole ships.
Slaves
Because the Mediterranean Sea made it so easy to access other lands, the Greeks took advantage of this by enslaving people. Slaves were not allowed to vote or own property and had to serve Greeks who were high in the social hierarchies.
War
With so much travel and conflict, the Greeks definitely got themselves into a few major wars like the Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War, and, the most famous, Trojan War. The most elite fighters were called Spartan Warriors.
Learn More
Want to know more about what went on around the Mediterranean Sea during the time of Ancient Greece? Watch this funny video to find out just how much trouble their sea travels got them into.