Ancient Rome Unit Study

 

This unit is ©Copyright 2004 by Cindy Downes. All rights reserved. Permission is given to homeschooling parents to use these units free of charge in their own homeschool only. These units may not be reprinted in any other form, for any other purpose (commercial or otherwise) without permission from Cindy Downes. Contact her at cindy@oklahomahomeschool.com.

Index and Recommended Lesson Plan:

Directions:

This unit has been designed to be completed in nine weeks, covering two, 1 - 3 hour lessons per week. This is a very short introduction to the subject. For a more detailed study, customize the unit to the length you desire by choosing how much material you cover and how long you take to cover it. More than enough materials is suggested so that you can pick and choose what will work for your family.

You can print off a free Ancient Rome Timeline and color Timeline Pieces to use in your own homeschool. These are pdf documents so you will need the free Acrobat Reader to print them. If you have a laser printer, the timeline pieces will look professionally printed. The clipart used in this timeline is from Art Explosion (NOVA Development).

A history based unit should include a timeline study of the major historical events, a biographical examination of the major people living in these civilizations, an investigation into the major discoveries or accomplishments of each civilization, an understanding of specific terminology, and map and culture studies of the various civilizations and their modern counterparts. Follow up with a review lesson and quizzes, if desired. Read over General Directions for Cindy's Unit Studies for more information. For help in this area, The Checklist includes a list of major events, major people, discoveries/accomplishments, terms, culture studies, and much more.

Unit Project Suggestion:

Create a notebook for each unit. Include a timeline, map studies, biographical sketches, dictionary of terms, copies of worksheets and composition projects, and photos of crafts or other hands-on projects. At the end of each year, select a representative sample and place in your child's portfolio.

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Recommended Resources:

Most books written for children about Ancient Rome cover the same topics but in a different order; therefore, you can use any children's book(s) on Ancient Rome that you are able to acquire for this unit. As you go through the lesson plan, read a chapter in your particular book that covers the topic(s) for that lesson. You may need more than one book to cover every topic.

30 Days to Understanding the Bible in 15 Minutes a Day! Expanded Edition by Max E. Anders. ISBN 0785214232. Used as a family resource, 4th+. Otherwise 7th+.

Ancient Rome by George Moore. This resource includes short reading topics, worksheets, and arts & craft suggestions. Black & white illustrations. Created for Gr. 4-7.

Ancient Rome Activity Book, Hands-On Heritage by EduPress. Arts, crafts, cooking and historical aids. This is the best resource I can find for hands-on activities for K-6. Create Roman jewelry, cook a Roman feast, create clay pottery, and much more. Check online for a new-used copy or obtain from local educational stores. ISBN 1564720322.

Ancient Rome, Come and Discover My World by Peter Chrisp. A colorful, 32-page booklet with simple text and fun, hands-on activities. Excellent resource for PreK-6.

Ancient Rome (Discovery Series) by Dr. Paul Roberts. Covers every aspect of Roman life and history; however there is very little information on Christians during this period. I recommend it because of the colorful illustrations, excellent historical information, and it's easy to obtain. This, along with The Story of the World, would make a great unit study for primary age children. 64 pgs., oversize, color illus. ISBN 076075070X.

Ancient Rome: Read and Color Learning Fun (ARRCLF) by EduPress. A great resource to use with your K-6th graders who like to color. While you are reading from your textbook, tear out (or copy) an appropriate page in this coloring book for your children to color. Not recommended for kids who hate to color.

Ancient Rome, Thematic Unit by TCM. Lots of informative worksheets and composition projects and a few activities. For kids who struggle with writing, do orally. 4th-8th grade. ISBN 1557345961.

Cultural Atlas for Young People, Ancient Rome by Mike Corbishley is an excellent book that could be used for all grade levels as a read-aloud. Unfortunately, this book is out of print. If you can find one used, grab it. ISBN 0816019703.

History Detectives: The Romans by Philip Ardagh. A unique way to learn about Ancient Rome - solve a mystery. It's up to you to unmask the kidnapper of the emperor's son. You will follow clues, look at pictures, and collect points while solving the mystery and learning all about life in the Roman empire. Grades 3-6. ISBN 0333900936.

History Pockets: Ancient Civilizations by Evan Moor.For grades 1-3. Use the Ancient Rome section only (pgs. 58-68) and save the rest for another unit. In each section, you will find the following: a reproducible pocket label, four picture dictionary words, a fact sheet of background information for the teacher, a reproducible student information booklet complete with illustrations, a postcard of a famous monument, two puppets to show the clothing, arts and crafts projects, plus writing activities. ISBN: 1557999007.

NEW! Ancient Rome History Pockets. Grades 1-3.

Uncle Josh's Outline Map Book by George Wiggers. The best blank map resource available. ISBN 0970240309. 2000. All grades.

KidAtlas by Ruth van der Maas. This is an excellent book and highly recommended for all ages. It appears to be out of print. You can buy used on Amazon. ISBN 0310700590.

Old Testament Take-Home Bible Stories (PreK-2) . Carson-Delosa #0498. 2003. Fun, easy-to-make booklets for PreK-2nd+

The Story of the World, Ancient Times, Volume 1 by Susan Wise Bauer. Rome is covered in chapters 27 (Rise of Rome: Romulus and Remus), 28 (Roman Empire, gods, builders, gladiators), 29 (Rome's war with Carthage), 34 (Julius Caesar), 35 (Caesar's conquests, Cleopatra), 36 (1st Roman prince), 37 (Beginning of Christianity), 38 (End of Ancient Jewish Nation), 39 (Nero and Christian persecution, Constantine), 40 (Rome divides into 2 kingdoms), 41 (Barbarians attack Rome), 42 (end of Rome). This is written in a conversational tone which makes it easy to listen to for all ages. You can even order the Audio CD's instead! Very few illustrations; however, it does cover Christianity in Rome very well. ISBN 0971412901. Gr 1-8

The Story of the World, Activity Book One: The Ancient Times (SOTWAB) I recommend this for moms who like to do crafts and have the time to get the materials together. Lots of fun activities and some recipes included. Not recommended for busy moms or children who do not enjoy crafts. Use pages 119-149. Save remainder of book for other units.Grades 1-8. ISBN 0971412952.

Teaching Units, The Old Testament by Grace Publications. ISBN 0764700979. PreK-1+

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Lesson 1: Geography of Rome (Week 1, Lesson 1)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Projects:

  • Ancient Rome, Read and Color Learning Fun, pg. 3, Map of Roman Empire
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 4-5, Ancient Roman Empire Map Study
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 17. Where did the Roman Empire Start?
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pgs. 59-60, Growing an Empire: Rome and America.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 23, Democracy or Republic?
  • Using Uncle Josh's Outline Map Book, page 2, Ancient Rome, show the approximate location of the Ancient Roman Empire. Mark the location of Rome, Alps, Colosseum, Mediterranean Sea, Tiber River, Constantinople, Palestine, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Gaul, Carthage, and Sicily
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

Video Recommendations:

  • Ancient Rome, Ancient Civilizations for Children series (check your local library)
  • Rome Reborn: Computer generated recreation of Rome!

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Lesson 2: Religion, Gods & Goddesses (Week 1, Lesson 2)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Projects:

  • ARRCLR, pg. 27, Temple
  • ARRCLR, pg. 28-29, Sacred Flame & Household Shrine
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 18, Household Gods, Family History Project
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 40, Festival, Hand-Dipped Candles.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 49, Gods and Goddesses.
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

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Lesson 3: Government & Military (Week 2, Lesson 1)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Projects:

  • ARRCLR, pg. 16, Senate
  • ARRCLR, pg. 24-25, Roman Soldier & Equipment
  • ARRCLR, pg. 26, Forts
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 7, Roman Law, develop some home “laws.”
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 45, Soldiers
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 39, The Legionary.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 29, A Roman Triumph.
  • SOTWAB, pg. 106, Roman Centurion Coloring Page
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

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Lesson 4: Citizens of Rome, Marriage & Family Life, Children & Education (Week 2, Lesson 2)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Projects:

  • ARRCLR, pg. 13, Schools
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 30, Literature, Make a scroll.
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 31, Writing, Make a wax tablet.
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 32-33, Language, Latin Match-Up
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 43, Senators, Citizens, Subjects, and Slaves.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 44, Women in Rome and America.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 51, Latin Today.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 52, How Much Latin Do You Speak?
  • Add projects and composition as needed

4. Independent Reading Suggestions:

  • Women in Ancient Rome by Fiona Macdonald. Learn about the role of women in Ancient Rome. Chapters include What is a Woman? Family Life, Health and Beauty, Women at Home, Women at Work, Women and Religion and Famous Women. Very interesting to compare with women today. (Caution: some content is suitable only for older girls.) 48 pgs. oversized, color illustrations. ISBN 0872265706. 7th+

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Lesson 5: Clothing, Food & Drink, Shopping (Week 3, Lesson 1)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Projects:

  • ARRCLR, pg. 10-11, Roman Clothing, Jewelry
  • ARRCLR, pg. 7-9, Roman Banquet, Kitchen, Utensils
  • ARRCLR, pg. 14, Market
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 22, Clothing, Drape a toga.
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 23, Wigs & Makeup
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 24, Jewelry
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 13, Weights & Measures
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 14, Coins
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 27-29, Feast & Cooking Roman Recipes
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 41, Roman Take-Out
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 67, Tunic and Toga.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 65, Roman and American Coins.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 66, Shopping with Roman Coins.
  • Dress a Roman Soldier, online activity.
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

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Lesson 6: Homes & Utilities (Week 3, Lesson 2)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Projects:

  • ARRCLR, pg. 4-6, Roman House, Villa, Furniture
  • ARRCLR, pg. 20, Aqueducts
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 17, Home Life, diorama.
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 38, Paintings, House Mural
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 68-69, A Comfortable House in the City.
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

4. Independent Reading Suggestions:

  • A Roman Villa by Richard Dargie. 32 pgs. Oversized, lots of color illustrations. 3rd-4th+ ISBN 0739823809.

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Lesson 7: Craft Skills, Trades & Occupations (Week 4, Lesson 1)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Projects:

  • ARRCLR, pg. 30, Mosaics
  • ARRCLR, pg. 32, Glassworking
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 35, Foil Sculpture
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 37, Make Pottery
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 15, Numerals
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 39, Mosaics
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 53, Roman Numerals.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 61, Roman Art, Mosaics, Frescoes, and Carving.
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

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Lesson 8: Architecture, Engineering, Famous Buildings, Technology (Week 4, Lesson 2)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Timeline Pieces:

  • AD 80 Colosseum built
  • AD 124 Pantheon completed by Hadrian

4. Projects:

  • ARRCLR, pg. 19, Building
  • ARRCLR, pg. 21, Colosseum
  • ARRCLR, pg. 17, Forum
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 36, Build a Memorial Column.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 45, The Colosseum.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 46, My New Show for the Colosseum.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 54-55, Monumental Math.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 56, Building Arches in Rome.
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

5. Independent Reading Suggestions:

  • Great Buildings: The Colosseum, How it was Built and How it was Used by Peter Chrisp. 48 pgs. oversize, color illus. ISBN 0817249168. Gr 4+

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Lesson 9: Roads & Travel, Communication & Trade (Week 5, Lesson 1)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Timeline Pieces:

  • 312 BC Appian Way begun, first Roman highway

4. Projects:

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Lesson 10: Sports, Entertainment, Bath Houses, Chariots & Gladiator (Week 5, Lesson 2)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

  • Emperors and Gladiators by Anita Ganeri. 32 pgs, color (J 305.5 G154e 2001), K-6+

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Timeline Pieces:

  • 300 BC Circus Maximus begun

4. Projects:

  • ARRCLR, pg. 12, Toys & Games
  • ARRCLR, pg. 21-22, Colosseum & Gladiators
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 34, Theater, Make a mask.
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 42-43, Games
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 46-47, Gladiators & Chariot Races
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 47, Chariot Races.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 48, A Trip to the Baths.
  • Video: Ancient Civilizations for Children: Rome. Join archaeologist Arizona Smith and a young detective-in-training as they unlock the clues ancient Rome, including a visit to Pompeii. Ages 8-12. Video. ISBN 1572251433. Try the local library for this video.
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

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Lesson 11: Founding of Rome, Romulus & Remus, Etruscans, Cincinnatus (Week 6, Lesson 1)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s). Compare the story of Romulus and Remus with Cain and Abel.

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Timeline Pieces:

  • 753 BC, Rome is founded, Romulus and Remus legend.
  • 509 BC Etruscan King Tarquin overthrown, Roman Republic begins

4. Projects:

  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 18, Romulus and Remus.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 19, Composition, Etruscans.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 24, Cincinnatus, the Man Who Would Not be King. (Need The Book of Virtues by William Bennett)
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

5. Independent Reading Suggestions:

  • Ancient Rome by Daniel Cohen. This book is out of print worth trying to find because it does a great job of telling the story of the rulers of Rome with an easy-to-understand text and lots of color illustrations. For grades 3rd-4th+. ISBN 0385260660.

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Lesson 12: Hannibal & Punic Wars (Week 6, Lesson 2)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Timeline Pieces:

  • 218 BC Hannibal Crosses the Alps, Second Punic War

4. Projects:

5. Independent Reading Suggestions:

  • The Librarian Who Measured the Earth by Kathyrn Laskey. The life of Eratosthenes of Cyrene, geographer and head of library in Alexandria, who used geometry to calculate the circumference of the earth in around 200 B.C. ISBN 0316515264. 48 pages. 1994. Gr 2-5

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Lesson 13: Spartacus' Revolt (Week 7, Lesson 1)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Timeline Pieces:

  • 73 BC the slave, Spartacus, leads a revolt
  • 60 BC Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus rule as the First Triumvirate

4. Projects:

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Lesson 14: Julius Caesar, Anthony, & Cleopatra (Week 7, Lesson 2)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Timeline Pieces:

  • 47 BC Julius Caesar becomes dictator; Gallic Wars (conquered France - Veni, vidi, vice "I came, I saw, I conquered)
  • 47 BC Caesar meets Cleopatra
  • 46 BC Julian calendar
  • 44 BC March 15, Ides of March, assassination of Julius Caesar, led by friend Brutus and Cassius

4. Projects:

  • ARRCLR, pg. 23, Triumph
  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 16, Calendar
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 26, Foreign Adventure: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 58, Make a Calendar.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 27, Mart 15, 44 B.C., Assassination of Julius Caesar.
  • SOTWAB, pg. 102, Rise of Julius Caesar Map Study
  • SOTWAB, pg. 103, Rise of Julius Caesar, Coloring Page
  • SOTWAB, pg. 104, Ransom Caesar Game
  • SOTWAB, pg. 105, Caesar the Hero, Map Study
  • Video: Julius Caesar with Marlon Brando
  • Video: Cleopatra with Elizabeth Taylor
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

5. Independent Reading Suggestions:

  • Royal Diaries: Cleopatra by Kristiana Gregory. ISBN 0590819755. 221 pages. While her father is in hiding after attempts on his life, twelve-year-old Cleopatra records in her diary how she fears for her own safety and hopes to survive to become Queen of Egypt some day. 1999. Gr 4+
  • Shakespeare Mini Books. 96 pages. 2003. Hamlet, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Macbeth, A Midsummer's Nights Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, and The Tempest. 8 reproducible, comic-style booklets. ISBN 0439366011. Gr 4-8.
  • Unlocking Shakespeare: Hamlet by Jeanette Sanderson. 2003. Ready-to-go folders features a short, well-known scene accompanied by pop-out notes that explain his old English and make it easy for kids to understand. Also includes a reproducible page that explores literary devices, plus quick and easy activities that extend the scene and help kids comprehend and enjoy the rest of the play. ISBN 0439404215. Also available: Midsummer's Night Dream, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet. Gr 5+

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Lesson 15: Augustus (Octavian) & Pax Romana (Week 8, Lesson 1)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Timeline Pieces:

  • 27 BC Augustus (Octavian) becomes first Roman Emperor, Beginning of Pax Romana which lasted 200 years.

4. Projects:

  • Ancient Rome Activity Book, pg. 44, Crowns
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 28, Augustus, the First Emperor.
  • Ancient Rome Thematic Unit, pg. 41, Emperor Report Form.
  • SOTWAB, pg. 108, Augustus Caesar Coloring Page
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

5. Independent Reading Suggestions:

  • Life in the Time of Augustus and the Ancient Romans by Michael Poulton. 64 pgs., oversize, color illustrations. ISBN 0811433501. Gr 6th+
  • Augustus Caesar's World (44 BC to 14 AD) by Genevieve Foster. ISBN 0964380323. 4th+

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Lesson 16: Jesus & Christianity, Nero (Week 8, Lesson 2)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

  • Read Kidatlas pages 36-47, Welcome to Rome, Jesus
  • Read 30 Days, pages 113-126 (Geography of the NT), 6th+
  • Read 30 Days, pages 127-134 (Gospel Era), 6th+

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Timeline Pieces:

  • 0-6 AD Birth of Christ; Beginnings of Christianity
  • AD 33 (Approximately) Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ
  • AD 64 Nero burns Rome
  • AD 70 Titus captures Jerusalem and destroys the Temple as recorded by the Jewish historian Josephus
  • AD 73 Siege of Masada

4. Projects:

  • SOTWAB, pg. 128-131, Beginning of Christianity (Map work, coloring page, Craft-mosaic cross, craft-make a pendant
  • SOTWAB, pg. 131-134, End of the Ancient Jewish Nation (map work, coloring page, craft-sand art candle holder, craft-dreidel game, cooking-Hanukkah Latkes
  • SOTWAB, pg. 134-136, Rome and Christians (Art project-Nero's crown)
  • Video: Ben Hur with Charleston Heston
  • Video: Demetrius and the Gladiators. A Gladiator becomes a Christian
  • Add projects and composition as needed.

5. Independent Reading Suggestions:

  • Exploring Ancient Cities of the Bible by Michael Carroll. Learn about the ancient world through archaeology. Written from a Christian perspective. Covers Old and New Testament cities. Excellent. 48 pgs. color, ISBN 0781436958. Gr 3+

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Lesson 17: Mt. Vesuvius & the Destruction of Pompeii (Week 9, Lesson 1)

1. Read appropriate pages in your textbook(s).

2. Internet Research and Activities:

3. Timeline Pieces:

  • AD 79 Mt. Vesuvius Erupts