2. Built upon area of seven rolling hills Built upon area of seven rolling hills Near curve of the Tiber River at the center of the Italian peninsula Near curve of the Tiber River at the center of the Italian peninsula Midway between Alps and southern tip of Italy Midway between Alps and southern tip of Italy Rome was also in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea Rome was also in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea

3. The Alps The Alps cut off invasion from the north cut off invasion from the north Isolated the Italian peninsula Isolated the Italian peninsula The Apennines The Apennines Protected early settlements Protected early settlements Allowed growth of the early city-state Allowed growth of the early city-state

4. Provided trade between 3 continents and multiple civilizations Provided trade between 3 continents and multiple civilizations Allowed for communication within the Roman Empire Allowed for communication within the Roman Empire