Overview
Greece the land introduces young readers to this ancient land of rugged mountains and sunny islands surrounded by the sea. The country's fascinating history is described in exciting detail including the rise of the Greek city-states, the Golden Age of Athens, and Sparta, the warrior state. The focus on ancient Greece explains important events such as the origin of democracy in Athens and the exploits of Alexander the Great. Sections on modern Greece highlight its exciting cities and thriving economy fueled by tourism, fishing, shipbuilding, and olive farming. A special section features endangered wildlife and explains how acid rain is slowly destroying many of Greece's ancient marble monuments.Introduces the land of Greece, including the country's geography, history, industry, agriculture, and wildlife.
Synopsis
Greece the land introduces young readers to this ancient land of rugged mountains and sunny islands surrounded by the sea. The country's fascinating history is described in exciting detail including the rise of the Greek city-states, the Golden Age of Athens, and Sparta, the warrior state. The focus on ancient Greece explains important events such as the origin of democracy in Athens and the exploits of Alexander the Great. Sections on modern Greece highlight its exciting cities and thriving economy fueled by tourism, fishing, shipbuilding, and olive farming. A special section features endangered wildlife and explains how acid rain is slowly destroying many of Greece's ancient marble monuments.
Children's Literature
Beginning with a map showing the six provinces of the mainland and the island groups helps the reader understand where Greece is located and its interesting composition of mainland and islands. Physical characteristics of each are presented in the text. Students looking for information about ancient Greece will find a clear comparison between life in Athens and Sparta. A timeline highlights the important dates in Greek history from the beginning of Greek civilization with the Minoans in 1700 -1400 B.C. to Greek independence in 1830. Clear color photographs are eye-catching and enhance the information in the text. Chapters deal with today's major cities and their importance, the importance of tourism, farming and non-farming industries, changes in the fishing industry, the effects of pollution on city life and ancient buildings, types of transportation, and wildlife. Sidebars interspersed throughout the book add interesting information, such as what it means to be a "Spartan," earthquakes in Greece, and the Battle of Marathon. A glossary and an index will help readers who are doing research projects. Part of "The Lands, Peoples, and Culture" series, this is a good introduction to the country. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo