What is the main reason that Rome was built on hills?
A.
The hills had fertile farmland.
B.
The hills provided a natural defense.***
C.
The hills were near a port.
D.
The hills were densely populated.
B. The hills provided a natural defense.
The main reason that Rome was built on hills was B. The hills provided a natural defense.
The correct answer is B. The hills provided a natural defense.
Rome was built on hills primarily for strategic reasons. The seven hills of Rome, namely Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal, played a crucial role in the city's defense. Here's how you can arrive at this answer:
1. Identify the options: Start by looking at each option presented to you: fertile farmland, natural defense, proximity to a port, or dense population.
2. Evaluate the options: Consider the advantages and significance of each option in relation to the city's establishment.
a. Fertile farmland: While having fertile land is beneficial for agriculture, it does not explain why the city was specifically built on hills.
b. Natural defense: This option is the most plausible reason. Throughout history, civilizations often chose elevated locations for their settlements to ensure better defenses against invasions.
c. Proximity to a port: While access to a port may be advantageous for trade and communication, it does not explain the specific choice of hills for Rome's location.
d. Dense population: While a densely populated area may be a desirable attribute for a city, it does not explain why Rome was situated on hills.
3. Select the most appropriate option: Based on your evaluation, determine which option aligns best with the historical context and reasons for establishing Rome.
From the available options, "B. The hills provided a natural defense" emerges as the most fitting reason. The defensive advantages provided by the natural topography of the hills surrounding Rome are well-documented in history. Additionally, the elevated position of the hills provided an advantageous vantage point for the protection of the city.
Therefore, the main reason that Rome was built on hills was for their natural defense capabilities.