1. 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

2. Ancient Rome
Geography
Early Rome

3. Geography Rome began on the Italian peninsula
Extends from Europe into the Mediterranean Sea

4. 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

5. Geography South, east, and west surrounded by Seas Provided protection
Transportation

6. Geography Most of the peninsula had fertile soil and a mild climate
Food production could support a large population

7. 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

9. Rome Its strategic location made it a prime city for trade
Allowed Rome to expand and have access to all of the Mediterranean Sea

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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