The Roman Empire dominated most of Europe and much of Africa and the Middle East for centuries. So great was the empire that it influences geopolitics even today. Often overlooked is the role that geography played in the great city's rise to power. Several geographic advantages helped Rome to grow and ultimately dominate the known world. Protection from Invasion Two mountain ranges, the Alps and the Apennines, helped to protect Rome from invasion. The Apennines divided the Italian peninsula in half and allowed the Romans to mass forces for counter- attack whenever they were threatened. Any army attempting to attack Rome would be at risk of attack from the other side of the mountains. The Alps, located on the northern border of modern-day Italy, seal off the peninsula from the rest of Europe during winter. This natural roadblock protected Rome from outside invasions by forcing attackers to move slowly through narrow passes, giving the Romans time to respond. what is some causes and effects in the passage?​