The city is located in central Italy, on the Tiber river. The capital city, founded in the Iron Age as the settlement of Latins, is situated on the top of the Palatine Hill. Rome is the main city of the administrative and historic region of Lazio. According to Roman tradition, passed on by Livio, Rhea Silvia - daughter of King Numitor - gave birth to two sons. Amulius overthrew Numitor and in fear of losing his power he ordered the boys to be thrown into the Tiber. The boys were saved and nursed by a wolf. When they grew up, they founded a city on the Palatine Hill. Due to the conflict, Romulus killed Remus and in 753 BC he became the first ruler of the city which was named after him. The city developed on the Seven Hills of Rome - Septimontium. Rome is the seat of the most important political and economic institutions, and the financial and economic centre of Italy (banks, exhibition halls), as well as a major transport hub (two airports, large railway station, metro). It is one of the world′s most famous tourist centres with numerous ancient and medieval monuments (churches, basilicas, the Colosseum, palaces, aqueducts, fountains and many more), while Vatican City situated within the city of Rome - the place of the Pope′s residence - is the destination of many pilgrimages. It is in Rome that many outstanding artists, such as Raphael and Michelangelo, found their inspiration. The city is visited by dozens of millions of people every year.
