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Farming is how most of the people in Ancient Greece lived. They sometimes used the help of slaves but most worked alone. The whole family helped during harvesting and planting. The farmers grew wheat, raised pigs, and tended vineyards. Goats grazed on unfertile land. The Greeks exported a surplus of wool, olive oil, and wine. All products made by the ancient Greeks were manufactured by hand. Some craftsman wanted to work alone while others had from 20 to 40 workers. Workers specialized in pottery, armor, or clothing. Areas became known for manufacturing certain products. Athens was famous for pottery, Megara for garments, and Corinth for metal goods. Greek merchants sold goods in exchange for slaves, timber, and metals. The Greeks traded with Egypt, Sicily, and Scythia, a country near the Black Sea. Inspectors made sure merchants used proper weights and measures. They also made sure that they charged prices, paid taxes, and observed guidelines on the import and export of certain goods. Because the terrain was rugged, most messages were carried on foot. They could not ride on horseback. Wagons carried goods short distances. Sea travel was more important, though. Greeks and Romans invented many mechanical devices. Greeks developed the catapult, water clock, compound pulley, and many other things. Greeks continued to manufacture crafts such as pottery, glass, textiles, and leather and their improvements were in perfection of style. Sailing by ship stayed the primary method of far traveling. Greeks made improvements in their ships including building two masted vessels. They began to develop a fighting ship equipped with a ram in its bow. Moreover, cargo ships relied entirely on the wind. The Romans took over the Greek fighting and cargo ships. Ironworking was a major job source in Greece. Greeks took iron ore and made it into its metal form and made different things with it such as weapons and tools. Changing iron ore into metal requires intensive heat which is made by placing the iron ore into a hot deep fire of charcoal. |