In the 8th century BC, Rome was one of numerous city-states on the Italian Peninsula.Within less than a millennium, it expanded to become the largest urban center of the ancient world.Rome's dominion extended across three continents, encompassing the entire Mediterranean region—referred to by the Romans as Mare Nostrum, meaning our sea.It was partly shielded by the Alps to the north, providing a natural barrier that impeded the movement of languages, material cultures, and peoples.Additionally, it maintained strong connections to regions around the Mediterranean Sea, especially following advancements in seafaring during the Bronze Age.
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