1. The Italian Peninsula is a special place because of its unique geography. It has mountains, hills, and lots of water surrounding it. This made it a good place for early people to live because they could use the water for fishing and trading, and the land for farming. The mountains and hills also provided protection from enemies.
2. During the Roman Republic, the government was run by two consuls, chosen every year by the people. They had a lot of power, but there were also other people who helped make decisions, like the Senate. This system was called a republic, which means the people have a say in how they are governed.
3. Rome was a strong and powerful empire that conquered many lands and people between 500 B.C. and 146 B.C.. They conquered the Etruscans, Greeks, and even Carthage, a powerful city in North Africa. This helped Rome become very rich and powerful.
4. Rome was built on seven hills, which made it easy to defend. The Tiber River also provided water for the Romans, and it was a good spot for trade. The location of Rome also made it easy for the Romans to expand their empire.
5. Julius Caesar was a strong leader who became a dictator of Rome. This meant he had all the power and didn’t have to listen to anyone. Eventually, some people in the government became afraid of him and thought he wanted too much power. They assassinated him, which led to the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire.
