Geography and the Early Development
of Rome
The climate and geography of Italy is
similar to what country that we
previously studied?
The Geography of Italy
• The geography is similar
to Greece in that it is a
peninsula, is
mountainous and has a
Mediterranean climate
The Myth of Romulus and Remus
• Romulus and Remus were twin brothers. They were abandoned by
their parents as babies and put into a basket that was then placed
into the River Tiber. The basket ran aground and the twins were
discovered by a female wolf. The wolf nursed the babies for a short
time before they were found by a shepherd. The shepherd then
brought up the twins.
• When Romulus and Remus became adults, they decided to found a
city where the wolf had found them. The brothers quarreled over
where the site should be and Remus was killed by his brother. This
left Romulus the sole founder of the new city which he gave his
name to – Rome.
Romulus and Remus is similar to
what Biblical brothers?
Rome Learns from Neighbors
• The Latins that settled
on the Palantine hill
borrowed from the
Etruscan people who
controlled much of
northern and central
Italy and the Greeks
who had colonists on
much of southern Italy.
Etruscan Influences
• From the Etruscans (a people that controlled much of
central and northern Italy) , the Romans learned to use
arches to build bridges, stadiums, and aqueducts. They
used the cuniculus to irrigate land, drain swamps, and
carry water to their cities.
• The Romans enjoyed chariot racing and gladiators,
both of which were Etruscan sporting events.
Greek Influences on Art and Architecture
• The Romans used Greek columns and designs to add to the
beauty of their buildings. However, the Romans used
concrete to make superior structures.
• Romans copied the Greek technique for making pottery.
Wealthy Romans collected Greek art and had monuments
built in a Greek style.
• Sculptors and painters used Greek art as the model for their
work, but their figures were more realistic than the ideal
figures the Greeks made.
Greek Influences on Writing and Religion
• The Romans used a
modified Etruscan
alphabet, which was a
modification of the Greek
alphabet.
• Like the Greeks, they
carved important
documents into walls and
columns for all to see.
• Greek poetry and myths
also inspired Roman
writers.
• The Romans adopted
Greek gods as their own
but gave them Roman
names.