An objective analysis of 500-hPa cyclones (500-hPa lows) is performed during the warm period (15 Apr-15 Oct) of the year for central and east Mediterranean regions. Α 40- year (1958-1997) data basis of geopotential height values with a detailed (2.5°X2.5°) spatial and temporal (00, 06, 12, 18 UTC) resolution is used in the study. Lows are determined as local minima in each 3X3 matrix of geopotential height values for every grid point in the area of study. A gradient criterion between the central point and the surroundings is additionally applied to exclude weak lows, which probably originate from the assimilation procedure. A sub-area which consists of 36 grid points and includes the Greek peninsula is selected for the investigation of relationship between cyclone occurrence and precipitation amount. Cyclone occurrence is classified in nine groups consisting of four (4) grid points each. During the domination of these cyclones, daily precipitation amounts where determined from precipitation data collected at a 20-station network, which was operational during the same time period. In cases of multiple cyclone occurrences per day, the location of the deepest cyclone was selected. The spatial distribution of average precipitation amount in each of the nine cyclone groups is plotted and discussed. The comparison of these nine distributions revealed three major factors affecting the location of frequency maxima and minima. The first is low-level instability, the second is orography and the third is positive vorticity advection associated with 500-hPa cyclones.