Rome was built on seven hills along the Tiber River on the west coast of Italy. It traded extensively by land and sea routes. The Punic Wars expanded Rome's territory but also disrupted farming. Key achievements included the establishment of Latin as the dominant language, spreading Greek ideas, and developing concrete roads and aqueducts. Political corruption arose as the Praetorian Guard began choosing emperors. Emperors like Trajan and Augustus attempted reforms but struggled to maintain security and control inflation within the growing empire. Farming and trade were economic foundations while social hierarchy stratified patricians, plebeians, men, and women.