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   The geography of Rome was one of its greatest advantages. In early Roman development, Rome was protected on all four sides by natural barriers. The Alps to the north blocked invaders from Gaul. The ocean surrounds Italy on the other three sides. Although Greece had the same advantage in natural barriers, she did not have the rich soil that the Romans enjoyed from the volcanic ash. The region of Mesopotamia had the opposite problem. They had rich soil, but they lacked any natural barriers (as a result they were invaded repeatedly). The rich soil of Italy also supported large tracts of forests. This readily available lumber made the contruction of houses easier. As time passed by, the geography of Rome came to offer other advantages. At the heart of Italy and the Mediterranean, Rome also became a center for commerce, where the eastern Mediterranean met the western Mediterranean. Rome's rival Carthage also had this advantage. However, with natural ports and a location situated on the coast, Carthage became primarily a maritime power. |