Download Geography of the Italian Peninsula

Geography of
the Italian
Peninsula
The Rise of the Roman
Republic


Rome lies near the center of the Italian
Peninsula on the western side.
Less rugged landscape Greece




Several large, flat plains


Soldiers could march from one area to the next
Easily united
Rivers provided water and transportation route
Good agriculture
Region called Latium

Latins were the group of people who lived in
and around Rome
Earliest Days

Historians are unsure
exactly how Rome
was founded


Legend of Romulus
and Remus
First settled in Rome
circa 800 B.C.E.

Built villages on tops
of hills and
eventually the
villages turned into a
single town
The City Grows
 Forum

Open area in a city filled with public
buildings, temples, and markets
 Natural



Advantages
Hills gave natural defense
Tiber River gave access to ports but was too
shallow for large boats to use
Key trade route
From Monarchy to Republic


Began as an independent city state
The Roman Kings




Had broad powers
Served as head of the army, chief priest and
supreme judge
Ruled with consent of wealthy aristocrats called
the senate
The Founding of the Republic


Over time aristocrats grew tired of royal rule
509 BCE the romans overthrew the king and
formed a republic