Greece naturally divides itself into Northern, Central and Southern.
Northern Greece contained two principal countries, Thessalia and Epirus,
though the Greeks themselves did not regard the inhabitants of Epirus
(the Epirots) as being of real Hellenic race. It was only in later times
that Macedonia, north of Thessalia, was considered a part of Hellas.
Central Greece had nine separate states, the most important of which was
Attica, the peninsula jutting out southeastward, and renowned forever
through its possession of the city of Athens.
Southern Greece, or the Peloponnesus (meaning “island of Pelops,” a
mythical king), contained seven principal states, Laconia being the most
important, and sharing the fame of Attica because it contained the city
of Sparta.