how did greece's physical geography help contribute to the establishment of city-states

Greece's physical geography greatly contributed to the establishment of city- states by creating natural divisions and isolations among communities. The mountainous terrain covered about 75% of Greece, forming natural barriers that separated populations into isolated pockets, which fostered the growth of independent city-states (poleis) with their own governments and cultures. These mountains limited large-scale political unification and promoted self- governance within smaller regions. Additionally, Greece's extensive coastline, numerous islands, and proximity to seas like the Aegean and Ionian Sea facilitated maritime trade and communication among city-states, supporting economic prosperity and cultural exchange. The limited fertile land encouraged smaller, self-sufficient agricultural units that surrounded urban centers, further solidifying the political independence of each city-state. This geography not only shaped political and social structures but also led to diverse dialects, customs, and governance systems among the different city- states such as Athens, Sparta, and Corinth. In summary, Greece's rugged mountains created isolated communities that became independent city-states, while its seas enabled trade and interaction between them, resulting in a fragmented yet interconnected civilization.