1. The Geography of Ancient Rome

2. So… Why are we learning this? O Well.. O There are still many cultural connections among Mediterranean areas of Europe, Asia, and Africa as a result of Rome’s influence. O And Geography has an important part to play in this influence…

3. A question for you! O By the time we finish today, you should be able to answer this question. O Why was Rome’s location so favorable?

4. Geographic Landmarks O Italy is a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea. (Its most prominent feature is its boot-like shape kicking the island of Sicily.) O FYI: A Peninsula is land surrounded on three sides by water. (What are those waters? Look at your map!) O Why is this good? O Roman ships could easily sail to other lands O This helped them conquer new lands and develop trade routes.

5. Another Landmark O Much of Italy is covered by mountains. O The Dolomite mountains which extend across northern Italy are part of the Alps mountain range. O The Apennine mountains cut down the center of Italy, stretching from north to south, dividing the east and west coasts. O Why is this important? O Protection, but it didn’t isolate Rome from the rest of the world.

6. More landmarks!!! O The Po Valley, just south of the Dolomite mountains, is the basin of the Po River. O It is fertile farm land, which made farming in Rome easier than in Ancient Greece. O Italy includes two large islands: Sicily and Sardinia. O Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, with active volcanoes and earthquakes. O Sardinia is basically mountains rising out of the ocean.

7. Climate O Rome (and today’s modern Italy) has two climate regions. O In northern Italy, temperatures can reach below the freezing during the winters, with snow in the northern most areas. O It’s climate is much more like what you would see in countries like Germany or Belgium. O Southern Italy has a warmer, more moderate climate. O Much more like Spain, Greece, Turkey.

8. So… Back to our question! O Why was Rome’s location so favorable? O Here’s another view: O Read the handout/reading Rome’s Perfect Location O Answer the reading review questions on a Separate piece of paper. O Add a 4 th question: In your opinion, why is Rome’s location perfect? Due: NEXT CLASS