Question

Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:

More than 3,500 years back, the city of Knossos on the island of Crete was the main centre town of the Minuan civilization. By 500 BC, Greece had become one of the most highly urbanized areas on the Earth. The Greeks established over 500 cities and small towns on the main lands as well as on the islands. Athens and Sparta were the leading cities of Greece. Athens may have been the largest city in the world at the time, with an estimated 2,50,000 inhabitants. The Greek cities were the centres of religion and power but also served as economic nodes. Cities were the main market places and bases from which wealthy merchants, land and livestock owners and traders operated. As educational centres, residents of cities included teachers and philosophers. They also had handicrafts industries that attracted the best crafts people and investors. In all of these roles, ancient cities were the anchors of cultural society; the focal points of power, authority and change.

Questions:

1. Which was the largest city in the world during Greek period?
2. State the role of Greek cities.
3. What was the estimated population of Athens city?
4. Which amenities and services were available in ancient Greek cities?

Answer 1

1. Athens was considered the largest city in the world during the Greek period.
2. Role of Greek cities:
   1. Centres of religion and political power.
   2. Economic nodes and marketplaces supporting merchants, land and livestock owners, and traders.
   3. Educational centres (home to teachers and philosophers).
   4. Hubs of handicraft production that attracted skilled artisans and investors.
   5. Cultural anchors and focal points of authority and social change.
3. The estimated population of Athens was about 2,50,000 inhabitants.
4. Amenities and services available in ancient Greek cities:
   1. Marketplaces and trade facilities.
   2. Religious institutions (temples, ritual centers).
   3. Schools/places of learning and spaces for philosophers and teachers.
   4. Handicraft workshops and artisan industries.
   5. Economic and financial activity supporting merchants and investors.