Geography of Roman Empire

1. The Geography of Roman Empire
The Peninsula of Italy
The Impacts of Geography on Rome

2. The Geography of Italy

3. Italian Peninsula
The following seas surround Italy: The Adriatic on the east, the Ionian Sea in the south,
The Tyrrhenian sea on the west coast and the Ligurian Sea on the northwest.

4. Rivers Of Italy
Po River
Tiber River
Arno River
Location: Rises in the Alps, & empties into the
Adriatic sea, northern part of Italy
Length: Longest river in Italy, 405 miles
Location: Rises in the Apennines & empties into
the Tyrrhenian sea, flows south through Rome
Length: 252 miles
Location: Central Italy in Tuscany Region, Rises in the
Apennines & empties into the Ligurian sea
Length: 150 miles

5. Mountains
Alps: Northern region of Italy, 750 miles long & 125 miles wide, Provided a
natural barrier for Rome, Provided water from the snow
Apennines: The spine of Italy, runs from north to south, 870 miles in length,
ranges from 25 miles to 125 miles in width, mild in terms of height, provided
protection but did not isolate cities, rivers from the mountains provided
water source & silt good for farming, volcanic ash from the mountains, made
the soil good for farming

6. Major Cities
Milan: located in the northwestern section of Po valley, 2nd most populous city in Italy,
main industrial & commercial city of Italy, city founded by the Celts then conquered by
the Romans
Naples: Located southwestern coast of Italy, near Mt. Vesuvius, one of the oldest
continuous cities which goes back to Bronze Age, early in history a Greek colony and
then merge into Roman society
Rome: Located central western part of Italian peninsula, capital of Italy, History of
Rome goes back 2.5 thousand years, founding of Rome goes back to 753 B.C., Tiber
River flows through Rome, Vatican city is located in Rome
Florence: Located in northwestern region of Tuscany, the Arno river flows through
Florence, considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, ranked one of the top fashion
centers in the world, has a legendary artistic heritage
Spanish Steps, Rome Florence Naples

7. Coastline
Italy’s Northwest Coast Italy’s East Coast
•4, 772 miles of coastline
•Coastline alternates between high rocky and level ground
•Southwest coast mixed with beaches and high rocky coast
•Overall, lacks natural seaports on Italy’s coast

8. Climate
•Mediterranean climate
•Rainy & cool winters
•Winter is the rainy season
•Provides water for the rivers
•Hot & dry summers
•Noticeable difference of temperatures during winter season between southern region &
northern region

9. Italy’s Islands
Southeast of SicilySardinia Islands of Italy
Islands of Italy: Has many beautiful picturesque Islands, many of Italy’s islands are results
of volcanic eruptions, two large islands are Sicily and Sardinia, at least 10 other island
groups
Sardinia: Located northern part of the Mediterranean sea, off the western coast of Italy,
second largest island in the Mediterranean sea, first people to populate Sardinia goes
back to Paleolithic age, became part of the Roman empire after the defeat of the
Carthaginians at 238 B.C., Vandals conquered Sardinia in 456 A.D.
Sicily: Located in central Mediterranean sea, off the southwestern tip of Italy’s coast,
largest island in the Mediterranean sea, earliest human dwelling goes back 12,000 B.C.,
Mt. Etna tallest active volcano in Europe, was a Phoenician colony then Greek colony then
part of the Roman Republic and then fell to the Norman conquest

10. 20 Regions of Italy

11. Abruzzi Region
Small Village in Abruzzi Region
Village of Rapino
Abruzzi Region: west coast by Adriatic sea
Pescara

12. Impact of Italy’s Geography
•Alps provided natural barrier to the north
•Lack of natural seaports prevented attacks by sea
•Lack of natural seaports forced Romans to build roads
•The roads unified Rome
•Established good trade routes
•Roads developed continuity within the Roman empire
•Italy had access to Mediterranean Sea to create water routes
•Apennines provided safe location for developing cities
•Land routes throughout Europe helped with Trade
•Excellent climate, rivers & soil for farming
•Excellent farming increased trading for other products & resources
•Volcanic ash was good for soil & making concrete
•Centrally located in Europe
Roman Empire in 117 A.D.