Could ancient Rome have stayed in power of their geographic location has been different?

Answer 1

Yes it would. Roman civilisation begun before Rome had an empire. Moreover, the strategic location helped with he growth of the empire around the Mediterranean, but it did not determine it. The formation of the empire was a complex set of events and processes and the geographical position was only a contributory factor. Moreover, there was not a design of creating an empire. Most of the stages Rome's expansion into the Mediterranean beyond Italy were due to accident, rather than an empire-building drive. This kind of drive emerged after Rome took over most of the Mediterranean.

Answer 2

It probably could have. However, her location helped her to develop her military powerless as attacks by neighbouring peoples and the struggle for regional control with the Samnites made the Roman develop a government capable of mobilise several legions on different fronts at the same time, develop an elaborate command structure, an efficient and disciplined army and battle-hardened soldiers. Italy's position in the central Mediterranean, between the eastern and western basins of this sea made it easier to control both basins.