Ancient Rome was located in central Italy near the Tiber River. It expanded through farming and military conquest during the Punic Wars against Carthage. Rome's location and resources like the Tiber River helped its growth and trade. Society was divided between patricians and plebeians. The Roman Republic developed a tripartite government that was later corrupted, leading to the rise of Julius Caesar as emperor who restored order. The Roman economy relied on farming, trade, and a stable currency until excessive military spending caused issues.