Final answer:
Rome's strategic central location, defensible hills, proximity to important trade routes and natural fords, along with multiple fine seaports, facilitated its expansion and dominance over the Mediterranean. This geographic advantage helped Rome develop a prosperous mercantile sector and maintain economic power throughout the empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geography of the Italian peninsula provided several advantages to Rome as it established its empire. The central location of Rome amidst the hills made it easily defensible and difficult for invaders to attack. With its location on the Tiber River, Rome was positioned at the intersection of important trade routes and near a natural ford, which was optimal for commerce. These geographic features contributed to Rome's prosperous mercantile sector, wealth, and early expansion.
The presence of multiple fine seaports, including Rome's port at Ostia, was crucial for trade as shipping by sea was less expensive than land transportation. Rome's mastery over the western trade routes and the production of goods for trade within Italy both sustained and bolstered its economic power. The Roman roads, well-preserved due to mild weather and continuous use, further facilitated trade between Rome and other cities, such as Florence and Pisa, along these routes.
Overall, the strategic geographic features of the Italian peninsula played a key role in establishing and maintaining Rome's dominance in the Mediterranean region, enhancing its military, economic, and political influence throughout the empire's expansion.