Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to describe the key aspects of Ancient Rome, including its government, culture, and daily life.

Materials and Prep

Materials Needed: Paper, pencil, internet access for research

Prep: None

Activities

1. Research: Use the internet to research and write down three interesting facts about the Roman government, Roman architecture, and Roman daily life.

2. Creative Writing: Imagine you are a citizen of Ancient Rome. Write a short story describing a day in your life, including your activities, clothing, and food.

3. Map Activity: Draw a map of the Roman Empire at its peak, and label at least five major cities or regions.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• Ancient Rome was a powerful civilization that existed over 2000 years ago. It was known for its advanced architecture and engineering, as well as its system of government. You can say, "Ancient Rome was a fascinating civilization that left a lasting impact on the world."
• The Roman government was a republic, which means it was led by elected officials. The government had a Senate and consuls who made important decisions for the empire. You can say, "The Roman government was structured in a way that allowed citizens to have a voice in decision-making."
• Roman culture included art, literature, and entertainment such as gladiator fights and chariot races. The Romans also had a strong belief in gods and goddesses. You can say, "Roman culture was rich and diverse, with a focus on art, literature, and entertainment."
• Life in Ancient Rome was different depending on whether you were rich or poor. The wealthy enjoyed lavish feasts and lived in grand villas, while the poor lived in crowded apartment buildings called insulae. You can say, "Daily life in Ancient Rome varied greatly depending on a person's social status."