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Ancient Rome
Geography
Geography
 Roman civilization had its start on the
Italian Peninsula.
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The Italian Peninsula
 Separated from the rest of Europe by
the Alps (mountains).
 The Apennine Mountains run along
most of its length.
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Two Main Rivers
 The Po River (northern Italy).
 The Tiber River (central Italy).
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Climate
 Relatively mild temperatures.
 Rarely goes below freezing in the
winter.
 Can be very hot in the summer - up to
35° C!
Affects of Geography
 How could Italy’s geography affect the
rise of Rome? Consider the following:
 Mountains
 Position in the Mediterranean
 Mild climate
 River Valleys
Affects of Geography
 Mountains
 Alps provided protection from rest of
Europe.
 Apennines made communication difficult
among the people.
 Position in the Mediterranean
 Central location for trade - source of
income, as well as avenue for spreading
culture and bringing home new ideas.
 Mild climate
 Good for agriculture
 Easier to survive
 River Valleys
 Excellent for practice of agriculture
 Provide sustenance
Before The Roman Republic…
 There were the Etruscans!
The Etruscans
 Controlled territory from the Po River to the
Bay of Naples.
• Etruscan culture became
distinct around 1000 BCE.
• Contributed to the rise of
Rome and Roman culture.
The Etruscans
 Much of our knowledge comes from
their burial customs.
 Buried their dead in tumuli.
 Frescoes and sculptures show
banquets, gladiators, chariot races, and
other everyday activities.
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Etruscan Society
 Independent city states.
 Strong military
By 6th century BCE had conquered much
of Italian peninsula, including Rome and
the island of Corsica.
 Had a written language, but it has not
been deciphered.
Etruscan Trade
 Sea trade
 Each city state known for certain
products:
 Etruria was known for its fine vases, metal
utensils, wine, grain, and armour.
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Competitors
 Greek city states
 Carthaginians (North Africa)
Etruscan Influence on Rome
 Numerals
 Blood sports
 Belief in the underworld
 augury
 Superstition
 Political affairs
 The arch
Roman ivory throne
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Fasces
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The Etruscan Kings
 Tyrannical and domineering.
 Romulus: 753 - 716 BCE
 First Etruscan king.
 Lucius Tarquinius Priscus: 616 - 579 BCE
 Built the cloaca maxima (great sewer) that
still exists today.
 Tarquin the Proud: 579 - 509 BCE
 expelled after his son, Sextus, raped an
aristocratic woman named Lucretia.
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Cloaca Maxima
After Tarquin the Proud
 Romans conquered Veii
 Military power of the Etruscans
collapsed.
 Etruscans were absorbed into the new
Roman Republic.
 Etruscan influence greatly diminished.
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