Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand the geography of ancient Rome and its influence on the development of gladiatorial games.

Materials and Prep

• World map or globe
• Printed images of Roman gladiators
• Internet access (optional)

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Create a Roman Empire Map

   Have the student use the world map or globe to identify the location of ancient Rome. Then, ask them to draw a map of the Roman Empire, including major cities and landmarks.

2. Research and Present Famous Gladiators

   Encourage the student to research famous gladiators from ancient Rome. They can use books or the internet to find information and images. Once they have gathered enough information, have them create a short presentation to share with the family or friends.

3. Create Gladiator Trading Cards

   Using the printed images of Roman gladiators, ask the student to design their own gladiator trading cards. They can include the gladiator's name, a brief description of their skills, and an illustration. These cards can be shared with others or used as a fun memory game.

Talking Points

• The geography of ancient Rome:

  • "Ancient Rome was located in present-day Italy."
  • "The city of Rome was built on seven hills near the Tiber River."
  • "The Mediterranean Sea provided easy access to other parts of the Roman Empire."

• The purpose and popularity of gladiatorial games:

  • "Gladiatorial games were a form of entertainment in ancient Rome."
  • "They were held in amphitheaters, such as the Colosseum."
  • "Gladiators fought against each other or against animals for the amusement of the audience."

• The life of a gladiator:

  • "Gladiators were usually slaves, prisoners of war, or criminals."
  • "They trained in special schools called 'ludi' to learn combat skills."
  • "Winning a fight could earn a gladiator fame and potential freedom."