Ancient Rome Geography

 Roman civilization had its start on the Italian Peninsula.

The Italian Peninsula  Separated from the rest of Europe by the Alps (mountains).  The Apennine Mountains run along most of its length.

Two Main Rivers  The Po River (northern Italy).  The Tiber River (central Italy).

Climate  Relatively mild temperatures.  Rarely goes below freezing in the winter.  Can be very hot in the summer - up to 35° C!

Affects of Geography  How could Italy’s geography affect the rise of Rome? Consider the following:  Mountains  Position in the Mediterranean  Mild climate  River Valleys

Affects of Geography  Mountains  Alps provided protection from rest of Europe.  Apennines made communication difficult among the people.

 Position in the Mediterranean  Central location for trade - source of income, as well as avenue for spreading culture and bringing home new ideas.  Mild climate  Good for agriculture  Easier to survive  River Valleys  Excellent for practice of agriculture  Provide sustenance

Before The Roman Republic…  There were the Etruscans!

The Etruscans  Controlled territory from the Po River to the Bay of Naples. Etruscan culture became distinct around 1000 BCE. Contributed to the rise of Rome and Roman culture.

The Etruscans  Much of our knowledge comes from their burial customs.  Buried their dead in tumuli.  Frescoes and sculptures show banquets, gladiators, chariot races, and other everyday activities.

Etruscan Society  Independent city states.  Strong military  By 6th century BCE had conquered much of Italian peninsula, including Rome and the island of Corsica.  Had a written language, but it has not been deciphered.

Etruscan Trade  Sea trade  Each city state known for certain products:  Etruria was known for its fine vases, metal utensils, wine, grain, and armour.

Competitors  Greek city states  Carthaginians (North Africa)

Etruscan Influence on Rome  Numerals  Blood sports  Belief in the underworld  augury  Superstition  Political affairs  The arch

Roman ivory throne

Fasces

The Etruscan Kings  Tyrannical and domineering.  Romulus: BCE  First Etruscan king.  Lucius Tarquinius Priscus: BCE  Built the cloaca maxima (great sewer) that still exists today.  Tarquin the Proud: BCE  expelled after his son, Sextus, raped an aristocratic woman named Lucretia.

Cloaca Maxima

After Tarquin the Proud  Romans conquered Veii  Military power of the Etruscans collapsed.  Etruscans were absorbed into the new Roman Republic.  Etruscan influence greatly diminished.