Ancient Rome was located in the central part of the Italian Peninsula, surrounded by diverse geographical features that influenced its development. The city itself was built on seven hills along the Tiber River, which provided a strategic advantage for trade and defense. To the west, the Mediterranean Sea facilitated maritime trade and military expansion. The surrounding regions included fertile plains, such as the Latium, which supported agriculture, and mountainous areas like the Apennines, which ran down the spine of Italy. This varied geography contributed to Rome’s ability to grow from a small settlement into a vast empire, influencing its culture, economy, and military strategies.
