• Geography of Italy compared to Greece

Ancient RomeAncient Rome

GeographyGeography

Early RomeEarly Rome

GeographyGeography

• Rome began on the Italian peninsula – Extends from

Europe into the Mediterranean Sea

Geography Geography • The Northern part

of the Italian peninsula protected by the Alps– Did not isolate

• Low mountains and hills throughout the rest of Italy– Did not serve as a

barrier– Allowed for unity

GeographyGeography

• South, east, and west surrounded by Seas– Provided

protection – Transportatio

n

Geography Geography

• Most of the peninsula had fertile soil and a mild climate– Food production

could support a large population

RomeRome• City of Rome built

along the Tiber River on 7 hills – Hills provided

protection– River allowed

goods to be brought down river from inland locations

• Was located midway between the Alps and the southern tip of Italy

•

RomeRome

• Its strategic location made it a prime city for trade

• Allowed Rome to expand and have access to all of the Mediterranean Sea

Not without reason did gods and men choose this spot for the site of our city—the hills, the river to bring us produce from the inland regions and sea-borne commerce from abroad, the sea itself, near enough for convenience yet not so near as to bring danger from foreign fleets, our situation in the very heart of Italy—all these advantages make it of all places in the world the best for a city destined to grow great.

Not without reason did gods and men choose this spot for the site of our city—the hills, the river to bring us produce from the inland regions and sea-borne commerce from abroad, the sea itself, near enough for convenience yet not so near as to bring danger from foreign fleets, our situation in the very heart of Italy—all these advantages make it of all places in the world the best for a city destined to grow great.

Livy, The Early History of Rome

Early History of RomeEarly History of Rome• The Legend of

Romulus and Remus – Legend states that

the city of Rome was founded by two twins, Romulus and Remus.

– Twins were abandoned near the Tiber River and raised by a she-wolf

– Romulus kills Remus and starts Rome

Early History of Rome

• 3 groups that influenced early Rome– Greeks

• Established colonies in Italy and Sicily

• Taught Romans how to grow grapes and olives

• Art, literature, and architecture influenced Romans

– Etruscans• From northern Italy

– Latins • First to settle in Rome• Gods were influenced by

Greeks and Etruscans

Early History of Rome

• Etruscan kings ruled Rome from 600 B.C. to 509 BC – Roman aristocrats overthrew the last

Etruscan king in 509 BC– Establish a republic

Closure

• Where did the Roman Empire develop?

• Identify three geographic factors that influenced Rome.

• How did Rome’s geographic location help it develop?