rome outline

A farmer?s republic Rome?s central location contributed to its success At midpoint of the peninsula Natural protection - hills and mountains Hillsides provided natural resources such as timber for construction and fuel Mild climate Long growing season Wide variety of crops Mostly mountainous with some arable land in the coastal plains and river valleys Land contained fertile volcanic soil Prided itself on offering hospitality to exiles and outcasts Agriculture was the essential economic activity Land was basis of wealth Social status, political privilege, and fundamental values were related to land ownership Majority of Romans were independent farmers ?council of elders? played a dominant role in politics In 507 the Roman Republic emerged Power resided in several assemblies