Answer:
The answer is the Italian peninsula
Step-by-step explanation:
The Italian Peninsula is located in the middle of the Mediterranean. By control this important part of Europe, the Romans will have numerous ports to trade with other countries in the region, in Europe and as far as North Africa and the Middle East.
The opening of the trade route would also provide a safe passage for the military, important supplies and help to expand Roman Influence in the area.
This was eventually achieved as the Romans began to develop an Empire, gradually expanding from the Mediterranean to North Africa and Europe.