Ancient Rome
This empire grew large and powerful, becoming one of the most influential civilizations of all time.
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About
About
Legend has it that Rome was created by the two twin sons of Mars, the Roman god of war. After being raised by a she-wolf, Romulus killed his twin brother, Remus, and declared himself the first king of Rome. What is not legend is the fact that Rome went on to become one of the largest and most powerful empires in history with innovations that continue to inspire modern society today.
Essential Questions
Essential Questions
How did Rome become such a powerful empire?
In what ways does Ancient Rome continue to influence the world today?
What are some of the significant historical events that occurred during the time of the Roman empire?
Choose a Focus
Choose a Focus
Use the Suggested Activity to learn about your chosen focus in a fun way. Or visit the Activity Library to pick another interactive activity.
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Use the Suggested Activity to learn about your chosen focus in a fun way. Or visit the Activity Library to pick another interactive activity.
Note: Britannica School, BrainPOP, and Kids Discover are provided by Prenda. Make sure you are logged in via Clever.
The Roman Republic 🕰
The Roman Republic 🕰
After being ruled by seven different kings, the Romans got rid of their monarchy and created a republic. This government started as a group of wealthy men but eventually came to represent most of the Roman population.
Essential questions:
What were the different ruling bodies that made up the republic?
How were the leaders of the republic chosen?
What were the strengths and weaknesses of this type of government?
Suggested Activity: A Different Point of View
How Plebeians Changed the Fight for Rights 🕰
How Plebeians Changed the Fight for Rights 🕰
The Roman Republic was divided into two classes. There were wealthy landowners called patricians and working-class families called plebeians. Frustrated by their lack of power, the plebeians demanded that laws be made to protect their rights. And for one of the first times in history, the less powerful group won.
Essential questions:
What did the plebians do to get their way?
Why did the patricians allow it?
What caused the plebians' to make thier demands?
Suggested Activity: And the Winner Is…
Roman Roads Change Travel 🕰
Roman Roads Change Travel 🕰
There is an old saying that goes, “All roads lead to Rome.” In Ancient Rome, a new road was built every time a new city popped up. Guess where each of those roads led? These roads were built so well that many still exist today.
Essential questions:
How were Roman roads built?
Why were roads so important to Ancient Rome?
What are some famous Roman roads that still exist today?
Suggested Activity: Picture It!
Julius and Augustus Caesar ⚒️
Julius and Augustus Caesar ⚒️
Julius Caesar was a popular Roman emperor who met a terrible fate. Augustus was his successor whose rule began the most peaceful period of Roman history. What did they have in common? More than just the same last name!
Essential questions:
Why were both Julius and Augustus Caesar so well-liked?
In what ways were they similar?
In what ways were they different?
Suggested Activity: Alike and Different
Hadrian's Wall ⚒️
Hadrian's Wall ⚒️
Roman Emperor Hadrian had a problem. The northern part of the Roman empire was being attacked by barbarians. His solution? Build a wall!
Essential questions:
Why was Hadrian's Wall built?
Was it successful?
What is its significance today?
Suggested Activity: A Different Point of View
Curricular Connections
Curricular Connections
Continue your learning by choosing one of these related activities.
Continue your learning by choosing one of these related activities.
Related Social Studies Topics
Timeline Challenge
Start a class timeline (or add to an existing timeline) showing important events from Ancient Rome.
Socratic Discussion
How do myths, like that of Romulus and Remus, help historians understand ancient cultures like Rome?
Debate
Statement: The Roman Republic is very similar to the United States government.
Use this resource to debate the statement: Augustus was a better ruler for Rome than Julius.
Create
(Not sure what to do? Write a news article about Julius Caesar's death!)
STEM
Check out some fun math problems about Hadrian's Wall (pages 91-94)
Just for Fun
Re-enact Julius Caesar's death by reading this play.
Image Attributions
Ancient Rome banner: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsThe Roman Republic: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com, CC BY-SA 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>, via Wikimedia CommonsHow Plebeians Changed the Fight for Rights: B. Barloccini, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsRoman Roads Change Travel: Blackstone Edge Roman Road by Steven Haslington, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia CommonsJulius and Augustus Caesar: Musei Vaticani (Stato Città del Vaticano), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (Julius) and Stephencdickson, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons (Augustus)Hadrian's Wall: Steven Fruitsmaak, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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