How did the geography and climate of Italy influence the development of Ancient Rome?

Geography affected Rome greatly. Firstly, Rome was located close to the Tiber River, which enabled the people who lived in Rome to trade with other nations, by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. However, Rome was far enough from the sea to be able to avoid navy attacks from other empires, as well as attacks by pirates.
The Tiber River not only represented the route to the sea for the Romans, but it also supplied them with fresh water, and food. Rome was located at a place where the Tiber River could be easily crossed, so many traders stopped at Rome to either rest or trade their goods. Rome was built on seven hills, and those hills provided even more protections against foreign invaders.
The geography of Italy itself helped unite its people. The mountains, Appanines, which run along Italy (from north to south) were not as steep and difficult to cross as Greek mountains, so people had no need to live in small, isolated villages. The mountains also had many flat plains which were ideal for growing crops. The farmland was very good in Italy, and that enabled more people to settle there. Another mountain range, the Alps, which run along the north border of Italy, protected the empire from European invaders. The Alps are very steep and very high.