Ancient Rome, a city that rose to prominence as the heart of one of history’s most influential empires, is located in the central-western part of the Italian Peninsula. Situated on the Tiber River, approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea, Rome’s strategic position contributed significantly to its development and expansion. The city’s seven hills—Palatine, Aventine, Capitoline, Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, and Caelian—provided natural defenses and fertile land, which were essential for agriculture and settlement. This geographic advantage not only facilitated trade and military conquests but also allowed for the establishment of vital road networks that connected Rome to the broader Mediterranean world. As a result, Rome became a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and commerce, shaping its identity as a center of power, politics, and culture in the ancient world.