“Geography played an important role in the evolution of Greek history” (Spielvogel 54). Greece was a small land mass, around 45,000 square miles. In and around this small area were tall mountains and seas. These natural land barriers isolated Greece from the rest of their people. This led to little influence from the other Greek establishments. The Greeks developed their own communities as they saw fit. They also were spread out, which led to a vast variety of traditions and customs among the communities. These differences sparked conflict among the small cities because both sides held on to their beliefs so strongly. While little influence filtered between Greek communities , the Greeks were masters of the sea and were able to branch outward.