3bowlsofrice 3bowlsofrice 23-01-2018 History contestada ASAP WILL MARK BRAINLYEST!! What role did geography play in the development of Athens as a dominant power among the city-states of ancient Greece? Its location along the Aegean Sea helped Athens establish a powerful navy and booming trade. The mountainous terrain helped the Athenians defend their city from foreign invasion. Its location along the Mediterranean Sea helped Athens develop a prosperous economy based on agriculture. The mountainous terrain helped the Athenians invade other city-states and establish colonies.