Rome grew from pastoral settlements on the south side of the Tiber where it forms a Z-shaped curve that contains an island where the river can be forded. Because of the river and the ford, Rome was at a crossroads of traffic following the river valley and of traders traveling north and south on the west side of the peninsula. The population grew to an estimated 310,000 people by the 3rd century BC. Rome gained dominance over the Mediterranean and the Roman Empire was established under Octavian in 27 BC. The city of Rome now surpassed a population of one million. After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Rome entered a long period of decline. During the medieval period, with the associated lack of construction activity, assured the survival of very significant ancient Roman material remains in the centre of the city. Rome was once the world's main epicentre of classical architecture, developing new forms such as the arch, the dome and the vault. Later the city became one of the main centres of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Rome's cityscape is also widely Neoclassical and Fascist in style.

This 3d map of Rome, at a scale of 1:5000, is centred on the area just east of the Z-shaped curve in the Tiber. It is a single plaster tile measuring 30x30cm encapsulated in a perspex frame. The model can wall hang or be displayed on a desk or table top.