Greece had the most advanced city-state which made the world's first democratic government. Athens and Sparta are the best known city-states. The city-states of Greece never came together united in to a nation. The Greeks prized their freedom and the way of life. They stressed the importance of creative thought. The towns were surrounded by small villages of farmland and city-states were very independent. They often fought among themselves. There are small constant rivalries. The rivalries had some advantages. The people of the city-states were very patriotic. The Greeks made their profit from manufacturing, trade, and farming. The Greeks manufactured products by hand, many worked alone. Certain city-states became known for certain products. For example, Athens is best known for its decorative pottery, jewelry, and metal goods. Greece manufactures pottery, armor, and clothing. Mining is another money making profit, but it is less important to Greece. Busy fishing industry ports have independent fishing fleets and sponge fishing. Transportation is not good because of the rugged terrain and few roads. Most of the roads are not even good enough to ride on horseback. Wagons hauled animals and goods for a short distance, but traveling the sea was preferred. In each city-state the inspectors made sure merchants used paper weights and measurements. Weights and measurements changed fair prices on the paid taxes and observed the restriction on exports of goods. Merchants sold goods and traded for slaves. Greece's major trade was with Egypt, Sicily, and Scythia (The World Book Online Reference Center). Farming was also a profit. More than half of Greece was farmers. Farmers had few slaves and liked to work alone. The family would help out during planting and harvesting season. The Greeks produced olive oil, wine, and wool. Farmers also produced wheat and barley. The Greeks were divided by social classes based on wealth and ancestry.
