As you look at Roman geography why do you think Italy was able to control so much territory?

At its height, the Roman Empire was one of largest

and wealthiest empires in the world. It lasted for

approximately 1,000 years. However, this empire had

simple beginnings.

Historians have determined that Rome began as a

collection of small settlements located on seven hills

near the Tiber River in Italy around 753 BCE. Rome is

located in the center of Italy on a peninsula.

Over time the towns joined together to form the city of Rome. In 509 BCE, the Roman

Republic formed, and the city became the political center of a large empire that

extended from Great Britain to Spain and from North Africa to Southwest Asia.

Benefits of Rome’s location

Rome’s location offered several advantages. One of the advantages was the

protection of the hills and mountains found in the peninsula.

Two major group of mountains found in Italy were very important on the

development of ancient Rome. The Alps, Europe’s highest mountains, separated the

Italian peninsula from the rest of the continent. The Apennine Mountains run north to

south along the Italian peninsula. The Apennine Mountains made it difficult for people

to cross from one side of the peninsula to the other. These two groups of mountains

helped to protect Rome from outside attacks. The seven hills protected Rome.

The climate of Rome also helped the people of the city. The region had

mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. This climate made it possible for

the region to develop a strong agricultural base. The mild climate enabled

Romans to grow wheat, grapes, and olives. This abundance o food

supported the people and allowed Rome to prosper.

While the climate made year-long agriculture possible, Rome also had the

advantage to be near water. The Tiber River helped the agricultural system

to prosper. The Tiber River also provided several other advantages to

ancient Rome besides agriculture.