Final answer:
The geography of Rome offered natural defenses and facilitated trade and communication, important for the expansion and cohesion of the Roman Empire without causing isolation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geography of Rome provided several advantages that were important for the development and protection of the Roman civilization without isolating them. Rome was built amidst seven easily defensible hills, at the intersection of trade routes near a natural ford of the Tiber River, facilitating both protection and commerce. Roman trade thrived because of the ability to connect and trade with other regions while also providing natural defenses against invasions.
The expansion of the Roman Empire included establishing colonies and building well-constructed roads, ensuring rapid military deployment and spreading Roman language and culture. Geography, such as the major rivers Rhine and Danube, provided formidable natural borders to the north. However, these geographical features did not lead to the isolation of Romans but rather were used strategically to fortify and define the extent of the Empire while allowing trade and cultural interchange with neighboring regions.