ABSTRACT
Cicero praises the natural advantages of the site of Rome (de Rep., 11). It is only 25 kilometres from the coast, and because of its river combines the advantages of a safe inland position with easy access to the sea. The river, rising in northern Etruria, also provided easy communications with the centre of Italy. An island in the middle of the Tiber facilitated the crossing, and the hills of Rome, especially the Palatine and Capitoline, offered good natural defence.
