The document provides background information on ancient Greece, including its geography, development of city-states, and rivalry between Athens and Sparta. The mountainous landscape of Greece encouraged the formation of independent city-states along the coasts but also isolated communities. Athens developed the world's first democracy while Sparta was known for its powerful warrior culture and discipline. The two city-states eventually went to war in the Peloponnesian War, during which a plague helped lead to Athens' defeat.