Welcome to the Roman Empire WebQuest! The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in world history, spanning from the 8th century BC to the 5th century AD. In this activity, you will explore the history, culture, and achievements of the ancient Roman Empire in greater detail. Follow the steps outlined below to complete the quest and gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable civilization:
Students are to click on each hyperlink and read the information.
Students will then answer the questions at the end of each task.
Students will turn in their work at the end of class.
Step 1: Introduction Start by reading about ancient Roman society to get an overview of its history and significance. You can use the resources below or conduct your research. - The Ancient Roman Society:
An Introduction
Ancient Rome:https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zq6wmsg/revision/1 -
The Social Structure https://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_rome.php
History of Ancient Rome for Kids: Roman Food, Jobs, Daily Life (ducksters.com)
Step 2: Daily Life The daily life of ancient Romans was shaped by their social status, gender, age, and occupation. To understand the daily life of ancient Romans, complete the following tasks: - Research the typical daily routine of a Roman citizen, including their meals, clothing, and leisure activities. - Explore the role of women and children in ancient Roman society and how their lives differed from men's. - Investigate the occupations and professions in ancient Rome and how people earned a living. Summarize your findings. History of Ancient Rome for Kids: Roman Food, Jobs, Daily Life (ducksters.com)
Step 3: Society The Roman Empire had a complex social structure that included emperors, senators, soldiers, enslaved people, and citizens. To understand Roman society, complete the following tasks: - Research the roles and responsibilities of different classes of people in the Roman Empire, including their rights and privileges. - Explore the Roman family structure and the role of women in society, as well as the customs and traditions that governed their daily lives. - Investigate the Roman legal system, including the concept of Roman citizenship, the principles of Roman law, and the administration of justice. Summarise your findings.
Roman law | Influence, Importance, Principles, & Facts | Britannica
Step 4: FAMOUS ROMAN EMPERORS Directions: Use the link below to research the most important Roman Emperors. 11 Roman Emperors Who Helped Mold the Ancient World (history.com)For each of the emperors listed below, discuss their positive and negative impact on the Roman Empire. The chart should be completed in note form. FAMOUS ROMAN EMPERORS Emperor Positive/Negative Impact on Roman Empire Julius Caesar 1. 2. Augustus 1. 2. Nero 1. 2. Trajan 1. 2. Constantine 1. 2. Marcus Aurelius 1. 2.
1. What type of job did most of the people in the countryside have?
a. Craftsman
b. Soldier
c. Merchant
d. Farmer
e. Engineer
2. What was the big meal of the day for the Romans?
a. Breakfast
b. Brunch
c. Lunch
d. Dinner
e. Late night snack
3. True or False: The punishment for committing a crime in Rome depended as much on your social status as the crime committed.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE
4. In a typical Roman family, what was a typical job for the wife?
a. She would work in the government
b. She would be an entertainer at the theatre
c. She managed the household and finances
d. She made various crafts such as pots and plates
e. She would sit around the house and do nothing
5. Besides being emperor, what was Marcus Aurelius also famous for?
a. Being a great artist
b. Being an architect of some of the great Roman buildings
c. Being a stoic philosopher
d. Watching Rome burn
e. All of the above
6. How did the Romans typically eat dinner?
a. Sitting down using forks and spoons
b. Lying on their sides using their hands
c. Standing up using their hands
d. Sitting on the floor using chopsticks
e. Sitting on a chair with a table using their hands
7. What type of clothing did Roman citizens wear while out in public?
a. Tunic
b. Shirt
c. Toga
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
8. True or false: The mother was the head of the Roman family unit and had all the power.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE
c.
d.
e.
9. What Roman emperor had the laws of Rome written down and organized?
a. Julius Caesar
b. Augustus
c. Justinian
d. Nero
e. Trajan
10. What was Emperor Constantine famous for?
a. Converting to Christianity and turning the Eastern Roman Empire into a Christian empire
b. Splitting up the Roman Empire into two separate empires; the east and west
c. Defeating Cleopatra of Egypt and making Egypt a Roman province
d. Being the last Emperor of Western Rome when it was defeated by Odoacer
e. Being the last Emperor of Eastern Rome when it was defeated by the Ottomans
Reflect on what you have learned about ancient Roman society and its impact on the world. Write a brief essay highlighting the most interesting and significant aspects of the ancient Roman society.
Congratulations! You have completed the Ancient Roman Society WebQuest and gained a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating civilizations in world history.
Thanks, fellow historian
Standards
SSWH3 Examine the political, philosophical, and cultural interaction of Classical Mediterranean societies from 700 BCE/BC to 400 CE/AD.
a. Compare the origins and structure of the Greek polis, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire.
b. Identify the ideas and impact of important individuals, include: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Augustus Caesar.