Rome started as a small village near the Tiber River on the Italian Peninsula. The Tiber River provided fresh water and rich soil for farming. Rome was built on seven hills, which made it easy to defend. Rome was also protected by the Alps and the Apennine Mountains, which acted as natural barriers against invaders. The mountains provided strategic advantages during war. The location of Rome was ideal for trade and transportation. The city was close enough to the Mediterranean Sea to trade with other cities in Greece,