Ancient Rome

Lesson Overview

Ancient Rome

Lesson 2

Legacies

Lesson 1

Introduction

Lesson I: Introduction to ancient Rome

Lesson ObjectivesAt the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to :-

(1) identify the achievements of the ancient Roman civilisation

(2) identify at least one legacy of ancient Rome

(3)work effectively in pairs / groups(4)value the triumph of human ingenuity and

resourcefulness

Tuning In Activities Activity 1

Craft : Creation of the Roman Helmet

Tuning In Activities Activity 2

Source-based discussion : The Myth of Rome - Romolus & Remus

Discussion Questions1) Based on the BBC article, do you still think

the story of Romolus & Remus is a myth? 2) What does this source tell you about the

Romans?3) How do archaeological findings affect our

understanding of the past?

Tuning In Activities• Activity 3

DVD : ‘Ancient Civilizations for Children – Ancient Rome’

Tuning In Activities• Activity 4

1) K-W-L worksheet 2) Timeline worksheet

ROME – a brief introduction• The “Eternal City”• Vast Empire• Ruled as a Republic, then later by Emperors• Famous leaders: Julius Caesar, Augustus,

Nero• Brilliance in all aspects of Civilisation• Yet also famous for brutality and wasteful

luxury• Continues to intrigue and influence us

today

Roman Empire at its largest•Which modern day

countries do you see in the Roman Empire?

The Roman Army• One of the most successful militaries in

history• Ensured that Rome could create a vast empire• Aided by good roads and bridges built by

Rome

Roman Soldiers

“Civis Romanus Sum”• “I am a Roman Citizen”• The proudest boast in the ancient world• Gave rights and privileges throughout the

Empire• E.g. voting and legal protection• Rome allowed people from all parts of its

Empire to become citizens• Hence conquered people could join the Roman

government – increased loyalty to Rome• Non-Romans joined the Army despite the risk

of death – on retirement, they got citizenship

Links to other civilisations• Greece – biggest influence on Rome

▫ Conquered by Rome but admired by Romans▫ Shaped Roman religion, philosophy, government, art

• Egypt – absorbed into Roman Empire▫ Emperor Augustus defeated Cleopatra VII (last ruler

of Egypt) in 31 BC – end of Egyptian civilisation• China and India

▫ Rome traded with both of these civilisations▫ Romans were obsessed with Chinese silk; Chinese

also desired Roman glassware▫ Roman coins were found in India▫ Wild animals (e.g. tigers) brought from India for

Roman arena shows to fight gladiators

Fall of Rome•Over time, Rome became corrupt and

addicted to luxurious living•In AD 476, Rome was destroyed by a

barbarian invasion•Many theories for the decline and fall of

Rome•Beginning of the “Dark Ages” in Europe •Loss of a powerful central government,

advanced education, great building projects and trade for a long period

Reflect!•Would you expect Rome to fall in the way it did?

•What lessons can you learn from this?

Passport to ROME•Let’s travel to Rome!

Passport to ROME•Making use of Google Maps “Street

View”, we will enter at least 3 famous places in Rome▫Colosseum▫Pantheon ▫Roman Forum▫Baths of Caracalla▫Park of the Aqueducts

•You will spend about 10 minutes exploring each place

Passport to ROME•Tips :

1)The Colosseum is the easiest to ‘enter’ and the clearest. Go where your heart desires!

2)When visiting the Pantheon, don’t forget to shift the cursor up to see the ‘hole in the ceiling’

3)Unfortunately, you can only view the Ruins of the Roman Forum behind the fences

Other places to explore•Tiber River – note its position in the

city of Rome•Pont du Gard (a huge 3-tier aqueduct

in France)

What do these places tell us?• ALL show the brilliance of Roman

engineering• Colosseum

▫The Romans loved violent sports at the expense of human lives

▫Emperors sponsored such games for popularity and to distract people from hardships

• Pantheon▫The Romans revered their gods highly

• Forum▫Rome was a place of complex government

and commerce

What do these places tell us?•Aqueducts

▫The Romans were obsessed with clean water and went to great lengths to supply it

▫The River Tiber has poor quality water•Baths of Caracalla

▫The Romans loved leisure and socialising in a luxurious place

▫Wealthy Romans could afford to spend their time in this way

Conclusion• The ancient Romans were largely influenced by the

ancient Greeks ~ change & continuity from one civilisation to another

• Similar to the ancient Greeks, the ancient Romans influenced thinking, architecture, the arts and sciences and the lives of many people who lived throughout the Roman empire.

• With respect to the 7 features of a civilisation, ancient Rome is defined as a ‘civilisation’

(1) city(2) sophisticated arts(3) knowledge of Math & Science(4) division of labour(5) writing(6) government(7) sophisticated architecture