Geography and Economy of Ancient Rome 6th Grade UBD - Unit 7 - Geography and Economy of Ancient Rome Geography and Economy of Ancient Rome

Preview Where was Rome- Rome grew from a city in central Italy to a huge empire that included parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Location Leads to Expansion- Rome’s location and geography gave it advantages that other locations did not have. Roman Roads and Coins- Roman coins and roads helped make trade and travel much easier during the Roman Empire.

Reach Into Your Background Roman soldiers were often used as labor on large construction projects. The many roads built by the Romans were just one of the reasons they were able to build a strong and long-lasting empire.

Key Ideas- Where was Rome? Rome was founded along the Tiber River in the center of the Italian peninsula. The Roman Empire extended as far north as modern-day Great Britain and Scotland. The empire extended as far southwest as the country of Morocco and as far east as the country of Syria. The Roman Empire began as a small city in central Italy but expanded greatly over hundreds of years.

Key Term Rome- The capital city in Italy, was founded in 753 BCE. Rome rose to become the capital of an entire empire comprising almost all of current-day Europe.

Key Term Italy- A peninsula on the north coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in the southern part of Europe. The Alps form the country's northern border, and the Apennine mountain range runs down its length.

The Founding of Rome Roman civilization had an enormous impact on the world, as the Roman Empire expanded and conquered much of modern-day Europe and the Middle East and parts of North Africa. For more than 1,000 years, Rome ruled this part of the world.

The Founding of Rome Over time different towns joined together to form the city of Rome. In 509 BCE, the Roman Republic formed, and the city eventually became the political center of a large empire.

Natural Benefits The geography and climate helped the different towns develop into a city and then into an empire. Mountains protected Rome from attack. A warm climate allowed year-round farming. 

Key Ideas- Location Leads to Expansion Rome’s location on the Tiber River in central Italy meant that it could easily sail in the Mediterranean to trade with other places. Rome’s geographic location helped it to develop a trade-based economy.

Rome’s Waterways Access to freshwater allowed Romans to irrigate their crops, increasing agricultural output.

Rome’s Waterways The Tiber also provided drinking water for humans and animals. However, unlike many other civilizations, Rome did not develop in the river’s delta. Review: what are the 4 river civilizations

Rome’s Waterways Rome began about 15 miles from where the Tiber River empties into the Mediterranean Sea. This distance gave Rome extra protection. Its enemies had to move inland from the coast to reach the city. However, Rome was still close enough to the sea that Romans could use the river to get to the Mediterranean.

Rome’s Waterways As the empire got bigger, Roman farmers could not grow enough food to feed the larger population. Rome imported wheat from North Africa and olive oil from Spain. Trade became important for the Roman food supply.

Key Term Import- Bringing goods or services into a country from abroad for sale.

Key Term Export- Sending goods or services to another country for sale.

Key Ideas- Roman Roads and Coins Romans built thousands of miles of roads and bridges. Soldiers, messengers, and traders throughout the empire used them. Romans had such advanced building skills that some of their roads still exist today. Romans made coins that were used for trade throughout the empire. These coins showed pictures of Roman rulers, gods, and goddesses.

Roman Roads and Bridges Roman emperors stressed road building as a way to increase trade, strengthening the economy, and as a way to move armies, increasing the capability of the empire to conquer even farther-flung lands.

Roman Roads The phrase “all roads lead to Rome” is a reminder that Roman roads connected the whole empire to the capital.

Monetary System The development of metal coins used as money to increase the economic power of the empire. The common monetary system used throughout the Roman Empire made it easy and efficient to trade with far-flung territories.

Monetary System The Romans made coins out of gold, silver, and other metals. The coins were worth different amounts based on the different metals from which they were made.

Review Achievements such as roads, bridges, and coins helped Romans develop trade networks that allowed them to grow rich and helped to unify the empire.