Final answer:
Rome progressed from a minor village to a significant power over the Italian peninsula and would evolve into the preeminent Western empire. The city's defense relied on its location over seven hills and the Tiber River. Rome's army played a crucial role in expanding and connecting territories, offering citizenship to conquered peoples
Step-by-step explanation:
Rome grew from a small village in 509 BCE to the ruler of most of the Italian peninsula 244 years later. Rome would later develop into the greatest Western empire of the ancient world. The city was protected from enemy invasion by seven hills and a shallow river. From the hills, the Romans could see enemies approach. Experienced Roman sailors with small ships were able to navigate the Tiber River, but the river could not accommodate the large seagoing vessels necessary to attack the city.
Roman mythology teaches that the city was founded in 753 BCE by Romulus, one of two brothers raised by a she-wolf after he and his twin brother were thrown into the Tiber River. The archaeological evidence indicates that Rome has been occupied since about 1500 BCE.
Roman warriors united most of the Italian peninsula through force and persuasion. The city was almost constantly at war, but unlike most other cities at that time, Rome allowed the people they conquered to become citizens. The massive Roman army built roads that connected Italian cities and villages. The army also provided an endless supply of manpower for Rome’s many wars.