Near the banks of the Tiber River, 2,700 years ago on seven hills, the foundation of Rome was It is one of the most ancient cities in E Since then, it has been continuously inhabited and has grown into a city of almost three million people, covering 1,502 square kilometers (580 square miles) Rome is in southern Italy, in southern Europe, and has a parallel latitude with New York Located inland about 27 kilometers (17 miles) from the Tyrrhenian Sea, Rome is the capital city of I Within Rome's enclave is Vatican C The seat of the papacy of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City has been recognized as an independent state by the Italian government since The majestic dome of S Peter's Basilica in Vatican City dominates the Roman Once the center of the Roman Empire, Rome has been the capital of united Italy since The economy remains strong—essentially based on tourism and government After World War II (1939–45), the city developed a wide base of industries; thus, the Rome of today hosts the headquarters of many multinational corporations and Divided into two regions, the sprawling outer city is changing with suburban The historical center is a small area, located on the eastern bank of the Tiber River and contains many monuments of Rome's past The city is an unparalleled repository of monuments from all periods in European The legacy of the Roman Empire is extensive, witnessed from the preservation of the Pantheon, considered one of the finest surviving temples of antiquity, to the impressive Colosseum, an amphitheater that hosted gladiatorial combat and other Ancient city walls, triumphal arches, public meeting places, churches, and palaces are scattered throughout R With an extraordinary wealth of artwork, Rome is a major world center for creative study and performing