Click here to view my survey : http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=QpdHuyDJMtOTSlkJjMjrPQ_3d_3d

Chapter 4 Essay

Throughout Persian and Greek societies, institutions such as farming and Zoroastrianism (religion) were affected. Geography, environment, and contacts were the major developments toward these institutions. Whether they are positively or negatively affected can be based upon opinion due to the current state of the countries. Both Greece and Persia had great leaders who would need to overcome great obstacles to allow their countries to thrive.

Geography played a big role in the early developments of Greece and Persia. The Persian Empire is located south of Iran and west of Babylonia. Greek is located to the far west and is much larger. The Greek peninsula is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. The small rivers and seas allowed Greeks to cross over to a comfortable and fertile location called Ionia. Persia on the other hand, was able to unite with Medes to overthrow Assyrians and Medians to extend their empire west across Asia.

The environment surrounding Persia was very harsh and had a limited water supply. Settlers would constantly move locations due to salt buildup or running out of water. Underground irrigation channels were built to preserve water during hot, dry seasons. Like the Persians, Greece had a limited water supply that forced settlers to live in small groups. Farmers relied entirely on rainfall to provide water for crops. However, the Greeks that crossed into Ionia were able to use river water and fertile plains to grow crops.

The Greeks and Persians were enemies. Greeks and their western allies revolted against Persia in a five year battle in 499 B.C.E. Soon after, King Darius I led two attacks on Greek states, Athens and Eritrea, which gave assistance to Ionian rebels. Eritrea was betrayed by its own citizens allowing Persia to conquer. Athens, however, succeeded against Persia because of a key defeat in Marathon.

            Overall, the growth of Greece and Persia depended greatly upon many factors. A few of these are geography, environment, and colonial contacts. The two societies used each of these to a great ability to maintain their position as a rising economy. Still today, both Greece and Persia probably use these factors to their advantage to maybe grow some more, and to prosper.