Roman Geography

Do Now Define the geographic context of Greece:  What were the key features and how did they affect the civilizations development?

Roman Empire

Alps Apennine Mountains Adriatic Sea Corsica       Rome  ^^^ Sardinia Mediterranean  Sicily

What type of map is this? What does this map show us about Roman geography

Early Romans Rome had been colonized and explored by Greeks during their dominance Etruscan civilization of Northern Italy were the first rulers of Rome Etruscans are heavily influenced by Greeks, used similar alphabet  Romans will follow many Etruscan customs 

Rome will grow quickly from central location and adaptable lands Etruscans Etruscans had adapted well to Italian geography: arches and engineering techniques to drain marshy river lands Rome will grow quickly from central location and adaptable lands

Foundation of Rome The story of Rome's foundation begins with two brothers Romulus and Remus who wanted to build city on Tiber river Brothers wanted to build cities on different hills along Tiber, with Romulus eventually killing Remus and founding his city Other theories include Trojans settling on peninsula after war forced them all to flee

Geography: Mainland Roman geography was defined by its fertile land and location on Tiber River Rome had similarities with Greece but was better with agriculture Farming was more effective due to less rugged mountains

Geography: Mountains Two mountain ranges affected Rome: Apennine and the Alps Apennine mountains run down central parts of Italy Range was much more manageable than Pindus in Greece This makes Rome much easier to unify

Mountains Alps in the northern part of Italy treacherous Served as barrier between Peninsula and Europe Romans are unified and defended as a result of mountain ranges

Geography: The Sea Rome was located centrally on the Mediterranean Sea Central location allowed for increased trade and expansion Wide variety of trading partners on Africa and both sides of Europe Geography: The Sea

Geography: Tiber River Tiber River supports Rome with agriculture  Romans irrigate farms and have fresh water for people and animals Livy, a Roman historian stated: "The river is advantageous because it brings foodstuffs from inland but is not exposed to enemy fleets" Geography: Tiber River

Geography: Climate Climate of Rome was very beneficial for their culture's growth Fertile land and Mediterranean climate allowed for abundant food Olives, grapes, and wheat are major crops grown

Geography Comparison How will the geographic context of Rome affect their development? How will this compare to Greece? How will this be different?

Greece Rome Similarities