The geography and topography of Rome had a significant impact on the history of the ancient Roman world since they created preconditions for the later prosperity of the Roman Empire. Italy was a predominantly agricultural country. The nature of the soil and climate made it possible to grow olives and grapes and grain crops: millet, barley, and wheat. In addition, Italy was rich in metal and wood. Therefore, it was not connected with the outside world by importing grain, timber, leather, and other raw materials. Due to this and Italy’s remote position, this region was less influenced by Eastern countries, and Italy remained a peasant country for a long time.
When Italy was united and entered the political landscape, the Italian peasantry became the tool with which the entire Mediterranean world was conquered. In the struggle with the older and more developed states of the Mediterranean — Carthage, Greece, Macedonia, Syria, Egypt — the backwardness of Italy in the conditions of primitive technology became its greatest strength. The central position of the Apennine Peninsula was of considerable importance in the formation of Roman world power. It allowed the Romans to act along internal operational lines, separating their opponents. This central position also facilitated for Rome the cultural mediation between East and West, which became one of the most significant factors in the cultural development of Europe.
Moreover, the Italian mountain range — the Apennines, which crosses the peninsula from north to south, is difficult to pass; it prevented enemies from entering the country. The coasts of Italy are inconvenient for navigation; there are almost no bays on the Adriatic coast, and the shores are inhospitable. When the Roman Empire sought to conquer neighboring states, enemies had few opportunities to enter Italy, which was unapproachable from the sea or land. Thus protected, the Roman Empire could channel all its efforts into conquering other states and becoming the largest state of that historical period.