Lesson 1: Geography and the Early Development of Rome

Key Idea

Around 1,000 BCE during the late Bronze Age, a group called the Latins settled on the Italian peninsula, a boot-shaped piece of land in the Mediterranean Sea. They built a small village that would grow into the powerful city of Rome.

Rome's location was not isolated. To the north lived a skilled civilization known as the Etruscans. In the southern part of the peninsula, the Greeks had established many colonies. This geography placed the early Romans right between two advanced cultures, setting the stage for future interaction and influence.

Key Idea

The Romans’ northern neighbors, the Etruscans, were skilled engineers. The Romans learned to build the arch, which made their structures stronger. They also adopted the cuniculus, an underground trench, to drain swampy land and provide water to their cities.

Etruscan culture also introduced new forms of entertainment. The Romans adopted thrilling chariot races and fights between gladiators. These brutal contests, which the Etruscans first held during funerals, became a popular part of Roman life.

Key Idea

After encountering Greek colonists, the Romans admired their grand temples and public buildings. The Romans began to copy this architecture, using Greek designs and columns to make their own cities look powerful and beautiful.

The Romans also needed a writing system. They learned an alphabet from the Etruscans, who had adapted it from the Greeks. The Romans modified this script to create the Latin alphabet, which they used to write their own language.

Key Idea

The Romans deeply admired the culture of their Greek neighbors. Roman artists learned from Greek sculpture and painting, creating realistic statues and beautiful murals. This mix of Greek and Roman styles became known as Greco-Roman art.

Roman religion was also shaped by the Greeks. The Romans adopted the Greek gods and goddesses but gave them new Roman names. For example, the Greek king of the gods, Zeus, was called Jupiter by the Romans.