TeachersFirst's Ancient Roman Empire Resources
The Roman Empire, one of history's most expansive and enduring civilizations, shaped the course of Western civilization for over a millennium. This curated collection of resources offers a deep dive into the complex tapestry of Roman history and culture. From the mythical founding of Rome to the fall of Constantinople, these materials cover the empire's rise to power, its technological and architectural innovations, its system of law and government, and its lasting impact on language, art, and philosophy. As your class is learning about Ancient Rome and the Roman Empire, share resources from this collection.

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The Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome - World History Encyclopedia
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cultures (181), fashion (12), holidays (189), italy (30), literature (221), religions (95), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Have students work in groups to design a front page of a Roman newspaper. They can write articles about political events, fashion trends, a leader's achievements, or daily life in different housing types. Encourage them to include headlines, "interviews," and illustrations. Create the newspaper from a template on Canva, reviewed here. Provide students with materials like sheets, fabric, and belts, and challenge them to recreate Roman clothing styles. Have them present their outfits and explain the significance of different garments for men, women, and social classes. Divide the class into two groups: one representing the Roman Republic and the other the Roman Empire. Each side must argue why their form of government was better, using evidence from the videos. Students can use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here. Assign students to design a Roman house based on their social status. Have them sketch or build a model. They can also create a 3D model on CoSpaces, reviewed here.The Roman Empire: A Brief History - Milwaukee Public Museum
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Ask students to research how artifacts like Mediterranean oil lamps reflect the cultural, religious, or technological advancements of the Roman Empire. Students can create a short presentation connecting the artifacts to Roman innovations using Google Slides, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here. Another way to present their findings is by recording a podcast using Anchor, reviewed here or Acast, reviewed here. Have students write a diary entry or short story from the perspective of a Roman citizen using details from the page about daily life and the importance of items like oil lamps.Ancient Rome Geography Lesson Plans - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): italy (30), map skills (63), maps (220), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Provide students with a blank map of the Roman Empire and have them label key geographical features such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Tiber River, the Alps, and the Apennine Mountains. Discuss how these features influenced trade, defense, and the growth of Rome. Have students create a 3D model or diorama of Ancient Rome's geography using clay, paper, or cardboard. Include rivers, mountains, and other geographical features, emphasizing their significance in Roman life. Assign students to write a short journal entry imagining they live in Ancient Rome, focusing on how the climate and geography affect their daily lives. Encourage details about farming, transportation, and trade. Have them make the book online using ePubEditor reviewed here. Make an online quiz game with details about the civilization and add some friendly class competition using Quizizz, reviewed here or Baamboozle, reviewed here.Ancient Rome for Kids - Learn Bright
Grades
3 to 7This site includes advertising.
tag(s): italy (30), julius caesar (11), religions (95), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Students can research the lives of gladiators and write a short diary entry from the perspective of a gladiator preparing for a day in the Colosseum. Assign students to small groups to research and present on specific Roman innovations (aqueducts, roads, architecture, or legal systems). Include hands-on projects, such as building a simple model aqueduct or designing a Roman-inspired building. Guide students in comparing the Roman Republic's government structure to that of the United States. Create a Venn diagram on paper or using Canva reviewed here to explore similarities and differences, focusing on concepts like representatives, branches of government, and voting rights.Ancient Rome 101 - National Geographic
Grades
6 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): italy (30), julius caesar (11), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
After watching the video, have students create a visual timeline of Rome's three major periods (Regal, Republican, Imperial). Include key events, rulers, and innovations discussed in the video. Students can use Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here or Turbo Timeline Maker, reviewed here to make digital timelines. Assign small groups to research one Roman innovation mentioned in the video (such as aqueducts, roads, or gladiator combat). Have them create a model of their innovation. Have students explore how the Romans were influenced by other civilizations, such as the Etruscans and Greeks, as mentioned in the video. They can create a Venn diagram using Canva, reviewed here to compare Roman art, architecture, or religion with that of the Greeks or Etruscans.Ancient Rome- Free Interactive Online Games for Kids and Teachers - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): game based learning (205), italy (30), roman numerals (7), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Use the quizzes on the website to create a classroom trivia game. Try a gamification tool such as Quizizz reviewed here. Divide students into teams and have them compete to answer questions about Roman history, mythology, and culture. Design a digital or in-class escape room inspired by the activities and games on the website. Use clues and puzzles about Roman daily life, such as food, clothing, and social hierarchy, to challenge students to "escape" a scenario in Ancient Rome. Have students create games based on what they've learned about Ancient Rome, inspired by the examples on the website. Genially, reviewed here provides templates for escape rooms and game building online for a digital twist. Use a Roman-themed strategy game (adapted from the website's activities or created independently) to simulate decisions about managing resources, expanding territories, or maintaining power in Ancient Rome.Ancient Rome for Kids - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): game based learning (205), holidays (189), italy (30), myths and legends (37), religions (95), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Encourage students to compare the Roman Empire with another ancient empire (ex.,Greek, Persian, or Chinese), including topics such as government, culture, and military. Use a comparison tool such as Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students can create a presentation using Google Slides, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here.Roman Empire - Happy Learning
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Provide students with a blank map of Europe and surrounding regions. Have them label key cities, territories, and trade routes mentioned in the documentary, reinforcing their understanding of the Empire's vast reach. Organize a class debate on whether the Roman Republic or the Roman Empire was more effective as a system of governance. Students can use evidence from the video and additional research to support their arguments. Have students create a timeline of key events mentioned in the documentary, such as the founding of the Republic, Julius Caesar's rule, and the fall of the Empire. Consider using one of the timeline tools at Class Tools, reviewed here or Turbo Timeline Maker, reviewed here to create on online.Ancient Rome for Teachers - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): architecture (76), myths and legends (37), religions (95), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to create a travel brochure showcasing different regions of the Roman Empire. Include famous landmarks (like the Colosseum), cultural highlights, and maps. Task the students with building a mini Roman aqueduct or road using materials like paper, straws, and clay. This hands-on activity helps them understand Roman innovations and their impact on society. Have students write articles as if they were reporters in Ancient Rome. Topics could include gladiatorial games, a new temple opening, or Julius Caesar's latest triumph. Encourage creativity with headlines and illustrations.Discover Ancient Rome - History for Kids
Grades
3 to 7This site includes advertising.
tag(s): art history (102), italy (30), myths and legends (37), religions (95), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to design a Roman city, incorporating features like aqueducts, amphitheaters, markets, and temples. They can create maps and 3D models using CoSpaces, reviewed here, or digital blueprints and explain how their city reflects Roman values and innovations. Fill a bag with images or small models of Roman artifacts (ex., coins, laurel wreaths, or colosseum replicas). Students take turns pulling out an item, describing it, and guessing its significance in Roman culture. Assign students roles as Roman citizens (ex., senator, gladiator, merchant, or farmer). Have them act out a day in their lives based on details from the website. Students can dress up or use props to bring their characters to life.The Roman World - Penn Museum
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Using the website's information on Roman engineering, ask students to research aqueducts or roads. Challenge them to build a small model using household materials and explain how the engineering principles work. Assign students an artifact from the website to study. Have them describe the artifact's features, guess its use, and discuss what it reveals about Roman daily life or culture in a video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here or moovly, reviewed here. Have students create a travel itinerary for a Roman citizen, detailing what they would see, do, and experience while traveling through the Roman World.Ancient Rome - History.com
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): cultures (181), italy (30), multimedia (53), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Have students create a visual timeline of significant events in Ancient Rome's history using the information from the website. Students can add images, dates, and brief descriptions, practicing their summarization and research skills when using Padlet, reviewed here or Timelinely, reviewed here. Ask students to research aspects of daily life in Ancient Rome, such as food, clothing, or entertainment, and create a diorama or poster presentation. Using details from the website, ask students to write a short historical fiction story set in Ancient Rome.Gods, Heroes, and Monsters: Mythology in European Art - Getty Museum
Grades
K to 12tag(s): europe (84), greek (47), myths and legends (37), romans (52)
In the Classroom
Provide students with images of famous artworks from the curriculum depicting mythological characters. Challenge them to identify the characters, attributes, and the myths they represent. Turn it into a scavenger hunt by giving clues about the myths or symbols. Invite students to design a mythical creature, combining traits from existing ones in the lesson plans. Expand beyond Greek and Roman mythology by exploring myths from other cultures, such as Norse, Egyptian, or Indigenous traditions. Invite students to design their own mythical creature, combining traits from existing ones found in the lesson plans. The creatures can be made on paper or using Google Drawings, reviewed here or Tux Paint, reviewed here.Rome- Colosseum Live Cam - Skyline Webcams
Grades
3 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): europe (84), rome (37), virtual field trips (130), webcams (19)
In the Classroom
During geography or social studies lessons, use live cams to introduce world landmarks and cultures. Incorporate live cams into lessons on history, geography, and even science. Students studying more advanced history, art, or global studies can use the webcams to explore historical sites, connect lessons to real-world locations, and even develop research projects around these live streams.World History - Crash Course
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): agriculture (51), renaissance (38), world war 1 (78)
In the Classroom
After watching the video series, the students can pick a historical period they would like to time-travel to and explain why. Students can debate which period of world history was the most impactful. Create a virtual bulletin board for an online debate using Padlet, reviewed here. Turn on the commenting features so students can comment on other students' posts.Beware the Ides of March. But Why? - History.com
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): holidays (189), julius caesar (11), romans (52)
In the Classroom
Use this interesting article during your studies of Ancient Rome or when reading Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar. For younger students, create a guided reading activity using Read Ahead, reviewed here, or with older students, have them annotate the article with Kami, reviewed here. During Halloween, you could use this article to discuss superstitions and what superstitions your students know about. Create a Padlet, reviewed here with columns to keep track of good and bad superstitions.Beware the Ides of March - ReadWriteThink
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Introduce this lesson with a brief discussion about what a superstition is and what are some superstitions your students know about. Create a Padlet, reviewed here with columns for categories of superstitions, for example, good and bad luck, walking under a ladder, opening an umbrella indoors, etc. After the discussions, follow the Classroom Activities and explore the Websites area, having students rotate through stations to explore the subject. As a culminating activity, ask students to create a video using Vmaker, reviewed here to share their impressions about superstitions (leave this wide open, whether they believe in them, have they discussed superstitions with anyone outside of class, and so on). Then, ask students to comment on at least two of their classmate's videos using Now Comment, reviewed here. Use the comment process as an opportunity to talk about digital citizenship and empathy.All Roads Lead to Rome - Engaging with Ancient Rome Through Literature - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): book lists (167), italy (30), julius caesar (11), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site with ideas about learning about Ancient Rome by engaging students through literature. Some books and activities include links to lessons and teachers' guides that provide additional information and classroom support. Use Curipod, reviewed here to quickly create engaging lessons and activities related to your book studies. For example, Curipod can create slides with themes such as lesson hooks; what do you infer? and exit tickets; use any of these options to generate ideas for discussion questions based on the theme of any books shared in this article. Extend learning by asking students to compare a student's life in Ancient Rome to today's students. Use one of Canva's Venn Diagram Creator templates, reviewed here for students to share their findings.40 Maps That Explain the Roman Empire - Timothy B Lee
Grades
8 to 12In the Classroom
Use these maps to introduce your unit on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Introduce this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Then have students explore this site independently or in small groups. Include this site on your class web page for students and parents to access as a reference. Have students create a multimedia presentation using Visme, reviewed here. Visme allows you to narrate a picture. Challenge students to find a photo (legally permitted to be reproduced), and then narrate the photo as if it is a news report.ORBIS: The Stanford Geospatial Network Model of the Roman World - Stanford University
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): maps (220), romans (52), rome (37), transportation (31)