Geography and the Early Development of Rome

The climate and geography of Italy is similar to what country that we previously studied?

The Geography of Italy The geography is similar to Greece in that it is a peninsula, is mountainous and has a Mediterranean climate

The Myth of Romulus and Remus Romulus and Remus were twin brothers. They were abandoned by their parents as babies and put into a basket that was then placed into the River Tiber. The basket ran aground and the twins were discovered by a female wolf. The wolf nursed the babies for a short time before they were found by a shepherd. The shepherd then brought up the twins. When Romulus and Remus became adults, they decided to found a city where the wolf had found them. The brothers quarreled over where the site should be and Remus was killed by his brother. This left Romulus the sole founder of the new city which he gave his name to – Rome.

Romulus and Remus is similar to what Biblical brothers?

Rome Learns from Neighbors The Latins that settled on the Palantine hill borrowed from the Etruscan people who controlled much of northern and central Italy and the Greeks who had colonists on much of southern Italy.

Etruscan Influences From the Etruscans (a people that controlled much of central and northern Italy), the Romans learned to use arches to build bridges, stadiums, and aqueducts. They used the cuniculus to irrigate land, drain swamps, and carry water to their cities. The Romans enjoyed chariot racing and gladiators, both of which were Etruscan sporting events.

Greek Influences on Art and Architecture The Romans used Greek columns and designs to add to the beauty of their buildings. However, the Romans used concrete to make superior structures. Romans copied the Greek technique for making pottery. Wealthy Romans collected Greek art and had monuments built in a Greek style. Sculptors and painters used Greek art as the model for their work, but their figures were more realistic than the ideal figures the Greeks made.

Greek Influences on Writing and Religion The Romans used a modified Etruscan alphabet, which was a modification of the Greek alphabet. Like the Greeks, they carved important documents into walls and columns for all to see. Greek poetry and myths also inspired Roman writers. The Romans adopted Greek gods as their own but gave them Roman names.