Rome’s Geography and
Founding
The Founding of Rome
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According to legend, Rome
was founded by Romulus
& Remus in 753 BC.
They were sons of the god
of war Mars, raised by a
female wolf, and
eventually fought over
their new city.
Romulus kills his brother
Remus and names Rome
after himself.
Dominating the Ancient World
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They conquered
many areas in which
you learned about
already.
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Greece
Egypt
Asia
Rivers of Rome
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There are several rivers
that flow out of Italy’s
mountains.
Rome started as a small
town on the Tiber River.
Its location & good
climate were important
factors in its success &
growth.
There were few harbors
for trade, so they traded
with each other.
Italy
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Italy, where Rome
was built, is a
peninsula in
Southern Europe.
It looks like a highheeled boot sticking
out into the
Mediterranean Sea.
Ready to kick the
nearby island of
Sicily
Mountainous Land
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There are two major
Mountain Ranges in Italy.
To the North there are
the Alps. Europe's
highest mountain range.
The Apennines runs the
length of the peninsula.
This made it hard to
travel from one side to
the other. But the
mountains are less
rugged than Greece.
Volcanic
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Also, some of the
mountains are
volcanic like Mt.
Vesuvius.
These eruptions could
destroy Roman
towns.
Hills of Rome
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Since the Apennines
mountains run through the
peninsula much of Italy is
not flat.
When there are not
mountains, there are hills.
Rome was built on seven
hills.
Founded on Palatine Hill.
Strategic location: hills,
river, slightly inland.
Rome’s Climate
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Warm, dry Summers
Mild, rainy Winters
Its climate allows for
a variety of crops
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Citrus fruits
Grapes
Olives
This food supply led
to Rome’s success