12/1 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 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

Points for Discussion Identify three geographic factors that influenced Rome. How did Rome’s geographic location help it develop?