CEVAP:

The economy of Hellenic Civilization was defined largely by the region’s dependence on imported goods. Because of the poor quality of Greece’s soil, agricultural trade was of particular importance. Greece’s dominant location at the water crossroads offset the impact of limited crop production, and its position in the Mediterranean gave its provinces control over some of Egypt’s most crucial seaports and trade routes. Beginning in the 6th century BCE, trade craftsmanship and commerce, principally maritime, became pivotal aspects of Greek economic output.

Since agriculture was labor-intensive, 80% of the Greek population was employed in farming and animal husbandry. Agricultural work followed the rhythm of the seasons: harvesting olives and trimming grapevines at the beginning of autumn and the end of winter; setting aside fallow land in the spring; harvesting cereals in the summer; cutting wood, sowing seeds, and harvesting grapes in autumn. In the ancient era, the aristocracy held most of the land. During the 7th century BCE, demographic expansion and the distribution of land rights increased tensions between the landowners and the general populace. At times of conflict, Greek armies would destroy their enemies’ olive groves depriving them of future harvests.