The geography of ancient Rome, the rise and fall of the Roman Republic, life in the Roman Republic, major figures of the Roman Republic
Ancient Rome unit contains 5 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Ancient Rome Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
Ancient Rome: Geography and Environment
Students are introduced to ancient Rome through its physical geography. They learn how geography impacted ancient Rome and its rise to power. Next, they learn about the Etruscans, Carthaginians, and Greek colonists of Italy, and explain how these three cultures influenced Rome’s beginnings. Finally, they read the legend of the founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus. They evaluate which parts of it may be based on reality and which parts are fantasy. Then, they write a brief realistic version of the legend.
The Rise of the Roman Republic
Students explore the fundamentals of the Roman Republic: its government, military might, and slave system. They conclude by preparing a report comparing and contrasting the republican systems in ancient Rome and in the United States.
Life in the Roman Republic
Students investigate the daily lives of ancient Romans in a variety of fields and contexts, including family life and the social class system. Then, they turn to the economy of ancient Rome, encountering its diversity of economic roles and the wide diffusion of Roman culture. Finally, they write a fictional dialogue imagining themselves as Roman youngsters talking to their older siblings.
The End of the Roman Republic
Students learn the factors that contributed to the fall of the Roman Republic. Then they examine the causes and effects of the assassination of Julius Caesar, an event that played a pivotal role in the Republic’s demise. Finally, they write a first-person response from the viewpoint of a Roman who has witnessed the Republic’s fall.
Roman Republic Figures
Students work in small groups to identify and describe five major figures of the Roman Republic: Julius Caesar, Spartacus, Cicero, Cincinnatus, and the Gracchi brothers. Then, they evaluate Julius Caesar’s impact on history and give reasons for their opinions. Finally, they learn about Cincinnatus and make comparisons between him and George Washington.
