The Geography and Influence of Early Rome

Vocabulary flashcards covering the geographical features, cultural influences, and key historical milestones of early Rome.

Italian Peninsula

The landform in central Italy where Rome is located.

Tiber River

The river near which Rome was built, providing rich soil for farming and paths for trade and travel.

Seven Hills

The landforms upon which Rome was built that provided a strategic advantage for defending the city.

Alps

The mountains that surround Rome on three sides and helped protect the city.

Etruria

The region in central Italy, north of Rome, where the Etruscans lived.

Etruscans

People skilled in mining, farming, and building who influenced the Romans with the use of the arch and gladiator games.

Greeks

Thinkers, artists, and sailors from colonies in southern Italy and Sicily who shared their alphabet, myths, and ideas about government with Rome.

Romulus

The legendary figure who founded Rome in $753$ BCE.

Republic

A form of government created by the Romans in $509$ BCE that was not ruled by a king.

Mediterranean World

The region connected by sea and trade that included Rome, the Etruscans, and the Greeks.

Homer’s epics

Greek stories and myths that were shared with and influenced early Roman culture.

$900$ BCE

The approximate time when the Etruscans became powerful in central Italy.

$750$ BCE

The approximate time when the Greeks began building colonies in southern Italy and Sicily.

The Arch

A specific construction technique that the Etruscans taught to the early Romans.