Rome Day 1 Geography

The Roman World

Chapter 7 - Section 1: Founding the Roman Republic

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Rome Day 1 Geography Rome Day 2 Structure of the Republic Rome Day 3 Punic Wars

Rome Day 4 Republic to Empire Rome Day 5 Roman Society Rome Day 6 Christianity

Rome Day 7 Fall of Rome Rome Day 8 Review Unit Plan for Rome

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Objective:

1. On a blank map, label the bodies of water surrounding Italy, the island of Sicily, Rome,

Tiber River, Apennine Mountains, Italian Alps .

2. Discuss how the geography of the Roman Republic is similar to and different from the geography of Ancient Greece.

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View video clip - Regions Of Italy - Aerial View

What do you see? Identify the geographic features, economic activities, architectural designs, sculptural characteristics, etc.

What kind of map is below?

Answer: Topographical Map

Google Earth World View - find Rome

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Skills - Location can be described in terms of latitude and longitude. Can you locate Rome using latitude and longitude? However it can also be described in relative terms for example Rome was build 15 miles up river from the Mediterranean Sea. It would show something in relation to a proximity.

In addition to identifying a location, knowing the latitude and longitude of a place is helpful in understanding temperature patterns. Rome and New York have similar latitudes, what can you predict about annual temperatures in Rome?

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The following should go in your notebook

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: Why was Rome’s location so favorable?

Hills and River

• In reality, Rome was settled by Latins

- spot had mild climate, good farmland, strategic location

• Built city on seven hills that could be defended

- farmed at base of the hills; lived on hilltops

• City was close to Mediterranean Sea and its trade routes

- lay next to Tiber River, which aided trade and provided protection

Italian Peninsula

• Romeʼs location on Italian Peninsula helped its development

- peninsula—land surrounded on three sides by water

• Roman ships could sail to other lands surrounding Mediterranean

- helped in conquering new territories, developing trade routes

• Alps, Apennines mountains protected Rome, but didn't isolate it

• Italyʼs large plains made farming easier than in Greece

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Section 1 Summary

Sheltered by the Alps to the north, Italy extends like a boot south into the Mediterranean Sea. The Apennine Mountains running lengthwise are low, allowing trade. Peoples and enemy armies, however, found pathways through the Alps. Italy’s long coastline also allowed attack from the sea.

By the mid-700s B.C., the Latins had settled in villages along the Tiber River, which later united to form Rome. In the 600s B.C., Rome was ruled by the Etruscans from northern Italy. The Romans adopted the Etruscan written language. The Etruscans crafted fine jewelry, clothing, metal, pottery, and wood. They paved roads, drained marshes, and constructed sewers. Under the Etruscans, Rome grew into a large, prosperous city. Greek city-states in southern Italy strongly influenced Roman culture. Rome was built about 15 miles inland from the Tiber River, protecting the city from invasion by sea. It was located where the Tiber was easy to cross and at the crossroads of many trade routes.

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1. How was Italy helped by its geography?

2. How was Italy hurt by its geography?

3. How was Rome helped by its location?

4. How is the geography of the Roman Republic different to that of Ancient Greece?

5. How is the geography of the Roman Republic similar to that of Ancient Greece?

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Answer for the questions above.

Question - How was Italy helped by its geography?

Italy was helped by the Alps to the north, which sheltered the country from invasion, and by the seas around the peninsula,which provided an excellent base from which to control the eastern and western Mediterranean. Also, mountains running length wise are low, making inland travel easy.

2. How was Italy hurt by its geography?

The Alps also hurt Italy by isolating it from Europe. However passes through the Alps allowed peoples and enemy armies to invade. Finally, Italy’s long coastline also allowed attack from the sea.

3. How was Rome helped by its location?

Rome’s location about 15 miles inland protected the city from invasion by sea. Enemy vessels could be seen far in advance as the river has many bends and the Romans would receive early word of any possible invasion by an enemy.

Its location at a natural river crossing encouraged trade in all directions.

4. How is the geography of the Roman Republic different to that of Ancient Greece?

The mountains on the Italian Peninsula did allow for trade the the effective operation of a central government as opposed to the Greek Mountains which led to isolated independent city states with no central government.

5. How is the geography of the Roman Republic similar to that of Ancient Greece?

Both are located on Peninsulas that extend out into the Mediterranean Sea thereby allowing trade across the Mediterranean.

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Checking for Student Learning - Complete the chart below

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Remediation -1. Download and complete the worksheet available below "The_Roman_Republic_..."

2. Re read text chapter 7, section 1, p. 150

3. Link to online map quiz

Review

What other countries/empires are located on peninsulas?

How do the Alps compare to other mountain ranges with regard to the effects on respective civilizations? Example: Both the Alps and the Hindu Kush have protected Italy and India respectively but only in a limited way as conquerors were impeded (hindered/slowed down) but were still able to get through.

How is the Tiber River similar to the Nile River with regard to its effects on civilization?

How would you describe Rome's economy with regard to the occupation of many people? How did geography factor into this?