Rome is in the central portion of the Italian peninsula, and is on the Tiber River which is all connected with the Mediterranean Sea. The Tiber River was about 15 miles inland from it.
Map of Rome
The area of the city is 496 square miles which is 1,285 square kilometers.
The location of Rome helped the Romans there with trade, because of the Tiber River, and the sea. Since Rome was built in the seven hills of Rome it kept the city safe from invaders and gave the Romans an advantage.