Who influenced the greeks and their philosophy?

Question

If possible, could anyone explain to me how the greeks got it going and started this philosophy stuff? Who lived around them? Maybe geography played a role? O.o

if anybody finds anything, could they also attach links? Thanks.

Answer 1

The Egyptian culture was the primary influence.

Here is a site that supplements that idea:

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/s...

Answer 2

the ancient Indians of India! that is where it all began.

every question that was ever pondered upon by any philosopher  was already answered by those ancient wise saints and seers of India long before these chaps were even born!