Economy and politics Many of the islands in the Aegean have safe harbours and bays. In ancient times, navigation through the sea was easier than travelling across the rough terrain of the Greek mainland, and to some extent, the coastal areas of Anatolia. Many of the islands are volcanic, and marble and iron are mined on other islands. The larger islands have some fertile valleys and plains.
Economy and politics Many of the islands in the Aegean have safe harbours and bays In ancient times navigation through the sea was easier than travelling across the rough terrain of the Greek mainlan.d, and to som,e extent, the coastal areas of Anatolia Many of the islands are volcanic, and marble and iron are mined on other islands. The larger islands have some f.ertile valleys and plains.