Mediterranean Europe

Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece

What is the climate of Mediterranean Europe

like? What implications does this climate have on the

Mediterranean countries?

Predict the implications of the Mediterranean climate

Identify physical, political, economic, and/or cultural characteristics of the four Mediterranean countries

Describe the conflict in the Basque region Identify a Western European country Describe a Western European country

Lesson Objectives

Physical Characteristics: Northeast- Mountains Rest of the country flat –

Climate: Rainy

Economic Characteristics: Agriculture

History of Colonization

PortugalCapital: Lisbon

Physical Characteristics Iberian Peninsula Pyrenees Mountains

Climate Rainy winters Hot, dry summers

Economic Characteristics Major export- High Unemployment Rates

SpainCapital: Madrid

Bullfighting Encierro- the “running” of the

bulls

Tomato-Throwing Festival

Sagrada Familia Church

Spanish Culture

Region in Northern Spain and Southern France

Home of the Basque people Fewer than 1 million people Strong cultural identity

Has led to conflict

The Basque Region

Physical Characteristics Over 2,000 Islands

Fewer than ______ of these islands are actually inhabitable

Result of tectonic forces

Economic Characteristics Agriculture Fishing

Political Characteristics Capital: Birthplace of Western Civilization

GreeceCapital: Athens

Greek History

•The Island of Crete•Important island during the Bronze Age•Minoan Culture

•1500 BC- Minoan Culture fell into a rapid decline•Theories:

•Greek mainland attacked and destroyed Crete•Earthquake demolished the Island•Combination of volcanic ash, tsunamis, and earthquakes that caused fires

ATLANTIS

Greek Religion and Mythology

• Zeus• Hera• Poseidon• Apollo• Aphrodite• Ares

• Artemis• Athena• Demeter• Hades• Hermes• Dionysus

• Religion of Greece: Greek Orthodox

• Greek Mythology: Greek Gods and Goddesses• The Twelve Olympians

7 Wonders of Ancient Greece

Physical Characteristics: “The Boot” Very Mountainous Country

History Roman Empire

Caesar Renaissance

Famous….stuff Leaning Tower of Pisa Venice Roman Empire Remains High Fashion

ItalyCapital: Rome

Vatican City

•Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church•Size: •Population:•Two main structures:•Saint Peter’s Basilica•Vatican Museums

•Politics:

The Holy See