 Among the greatest empire-builders in recorded history.  Roman legions helped to maintain control over the vast empire. Guarded distant borders Built extensive network of roads and bridges Kept trade routes open Fought wars to expand territory

 The Italian peninsula was about 3 times as large as ancient Greece.  Even with 3200 km of coastline, good harbors were difficult to find.  In spite of this, trade up and down the coast and across the Mediterranean was constant.  Romans could reach the Middle East, Greece, Spain and North Africa by sea.

 Most of Italy is either hilly or mountainous, which made overland transportation and communication difficult.  Mountain ranges helped protect from invasion.  Unlike Greece however, the mountains did not prevent Rome from unifying under a single ruler.

 Located in three areas. The great northern plain with deposits from Po River The Latium and Campania plains with deposits from volcanoes.  Like Greece, Rome eventually had to find colonies to supplement their food supply.

 Three main rivers were the Po, the Arno, and the Tiber.  Most of the peninsula enjoyed a climate of rainy winters and hot, dry summers.  However, the river valley of Po had moderate winter snow, summer rain and a wet spring and fall.

 Building stone  Limestone  Marble (difficult to work with)  Concrete (volcanic ash mixed with water)  Copper  Iron  Tin (mixed with copper to make bronze)