What are the pros and cons of the geography of ancient rome?

Answer 1

The pros. The city originally was on seven hills (the Seven Hills of Rome). Hills were easier to defend against raids. Rome was by the only Ford of the river Tiber, which made her the main north-south communication point in the region. The river also provided a navigable link to the sea, which was 14 miles away (16 miles nowadays). Because Rome was inland, she did not suffer naval attacks. The hills were made of volcanic rock. This made for good building material. Rome was also close to the Apennines (a mountain chain which runs through the Italian peninsula which has plenty of water sources. Water could be carried from the mountains to the city with aqueducts. Italy's position between the western and eastern basins of the Mediterranean made control over it and trade in this sea easier. Later on, Rome was far away from the frontiers of the empire and thus away from the attacks on the empire which occurred further north. This was no longer the case in the final years when the Romans could not cope with the invasions any more.

The cons. Before Rome expanded into Italy, she was vulnerable to attacks by neigbouring people. Because of its location, she could have enemies to the north, east and south.

Answer 2

They had no disadvantages to the land! They were protected in any way, shape or form!