• 12/2 Focus
– Unlike Greece, geographic characteristics in
Italy provided few natural barriers, helped
people unite, and supported a growing
population.
• Do Now
– Identify two geographic characteristics of
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
Geography
Early Rome
Geography
• Rome began on the
Italian peninsula
– Extends from Europe
into the
Mediterranean Sea
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
Geography
• South, east,
and west
surrounded by
Seas
– Provided
protection
– Transportation
Geography
• Most of the
peninsula had
fertile soil and a
mild climate
– Food production
could support a
large population
Rome
• 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
•
Rome
• 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.
Livy, The Early
History of Rome
Early 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 shewolf
– 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?