Ancient Rome: Geography

• Rome became the center of one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world, conquering territories including Greece and Egypt.
• Italy is a peninsula in southern Europe that resembles a high-heeled boot sticking out into the Mediterranean Sea.

Physical Features

• Italy has two major mountain ranges: the Alps in the north and the Apennines running the length of the peninsula.
• The rugged terrain made it difficult for ancient people to cross the peninsula.
• Some of Italy’s mountains are volcanic.
• Cities were built on hills for defense.
• Rome was built on seven hills.
• Rivers flowing from the mountains provided fresh water, leading to city development near them.
• Rome is situated on the Tiber River.

Impact of Geography

• Rome's geography contributed to its power due to its strategic position on hills, the Alps as a roadblock, and the surrounding seas providing protection from invasion.
• Abundant building materials like stone and marble, along with clay for pottery, supported economic development.
• The Mediterranean Sea facilitated trade, helping Rome's economy prosper and enabling the formation of a powerful government.

Climate

• Italy has warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
• The climate supports the cultivation of citrus fruits, grapes, and olives.
• A plentiful food supply was a key factor in Rome's early growth.

Rome’s Legendary Origins

• Rome's early history is not documented, with only ancient ruins suggesting habitation around the 800s BC.

Romulus and Remus

• According to Roman legends, Rome was founded by twin brothers Romulus and Remus, descendants of Aeneas.
• The legend involves the twins being rescued and cared for by a wolf after being thrown into the Tiber River.
• Romulus killed Remus and named the city Rome after himself, becoming its first king in 753 BC.
• Modern historians believe Rome could have been founded around 753 BC.
• Roman records list seven kings who ruled the city.

Formation of Roman Civilization

• Around 1000 BCE, the Latins (Romans) settled on and around the seven hills along the Tiber River.
• Before the Romans, the Etruscans and Greeks inhabited the Italian peninsula.
• The Romans were influenced by the Greeks and Etruscans, adopting their alphabet, numbers, form of government, and laws.

The Early Republic

• The Romans established the Roman Republic in 509 BC, a system where people elect leaders.
• Elected officials served for one-year terms to prevent any one person from becoming too powerful.
• Nearly all elected officials came from a small group of wealthy and powerful men (patricians).
• During wars, dictators with nearly absolute power were appointed.
• Dictators were given the power to make laws.

Roman Society

• Roman society was divided into social classes based on jobs and family.
• The social classes were divided among slaves, plebeians, and patricians.
• Patricians were the upper class.
• Plebeians were the middle class.
• Slaves were the lower class who had no rights.
• Plebeians wanted changes in government for more say in how the city was run.
• Rome was founded as a city, ruled first by kings and later by a republican government.