Rome was located 24 km from the Mediterranean sea, near the Tiber River. This way they had a source of water, but could also prevent invasion by water. Rome was built on 7 hills, which let them have an advantage on attackers. People made their homes their because of the rich soil and good weather for farming. In addition, Rome was on a certain section of the Tiber River that was easiest to cross, so merchants doing trade would pass through Rome, stopping in the town and trading. After the Romans took over Italy, they built good roads so they could travel through their domain.