Transcript Geography of the Italian Peninsula

Geography of
the Italian
Peninsula
The Rise of the Roman
Republic
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Rome lies near the center of the Italian
Peninsula on the western side.
Less rugged landscape Greece
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Several large, flat plains
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Soldiers could march from one area to the next
Easily united
Rivers provided water and transportation route
Good agriculture
Region called Latium
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Latins were the group of people who lived in
and around Rome
Earliest Days
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Historians are unsure
exactly how Rome
was founded
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Legend of Romulus
and Remus
First settled in Rome
circa 800 B.C.E.
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Built villages on tops
of hills and
eventually the
villages turned into a
single town
The City Grows
 Forum
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Open area in a city filled with public
buildings, temples, and markets
 Natural
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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
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Began as an independent city state
The Roman Kings
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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
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Over time aristocrats grew tired of royal rule
509 BCE the romans overthrew the king and
formed a republic