Contextualization

Ancient Rome, often hailed as the birthplace of modern Western civilization, was an empire that stretched across three continents and influenced the world in numerous ways. From its sophisticated legal system, innovative engineering, and military strategies to its rich culture, art, and literature, Ancient Rome remains a fascinating case study in world history. This project aims to explore various aspects of Ancient Rome, providing a comprehensive understanding of its rise, achievements, and eventual decline.

Introduction

The Roman Empire, founded in 27 BC, evolved from the early Roman Republic, a system of government that began in 509 BC. The Republic was a unique political system that allowed citizens to elect their leaders, making it one of the first examples of democracy in history. However, the Republic eventually gave way to the Roman Empire, which lasted for about 500 years and left a profound impact on the world.

The Roman Empire was a hub of innovation and ingenuity. It is famously known for its advanced engineering, exemplified by its architectural marvels like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the aqueducts. The Romans also developed an extensive road network, known as the Roman roads, which were crucial for the empire's administration and military movements.

The Roman legal system, characterized by its commitment to the rule of law, equality before the law, and the presumption of innocence, still forms the basis of many legal systems around the world. The Romans also made significant contributions to art, literature, philosophy, and even sports, with their gladiatorial contests and chariot races.

Importance of Understanding Ancient Rome

Studying Ancient Rome is not just about learning past events, but also understanding the roots of many aspects of our present society. Our legal system, our architecture, our language (Latin evolved into modern-day Romance languages), our calendar (the Julian calendar introduced by Julius Caesar), and even some of our cultural practices all have roots in Ancient Rome. Therefore, understanding Ancient Rome provides us with a deeper appreciation of our own society and culture.

Resources for Further Understanding

To delve deeper into the world of Ancient Rome, students are encouraged to use the following resources:

1. Books:

   • "SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome" by Mary Beard
   • "The History of Rome in 12 Buildings: A Travel Companion to the Hidden Secrets of The Eternal City" by Phillip Barlag
   • "The Romans: An Introduction" by Antony Kamm

2. Online Sources:

   • Khan Academy's Course on Ancient Rome
   • BBC's Ancient Rome Resource
   • The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Timeline of Art History - Ancient Rome

3. Documentaries:

   • "Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire" (2006)
   • "Engineering an Empire: Rome" (2006)

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Building Ancient Rome: A Virtual City Tour"

Objective of the Project:

The aim of this project is to create a detailed, interactive virtual tour of Ancient Rome, showcasing its key architectural, cultural, and historical features. The project will require the use of technology, collaboration, research, and creativity.

Description of the Project:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5. Each group will take on the role of virtual tour guides, responsible for creating an engaging and informative virtual tour of Ancient Rome using an online platform like Google Slides, Google Sites, or Prezi. The tour should include detailed descriptions, images, and interactive elements related to the key aspects of Ancient Rome, including its architecture, culture, law, and engineering.

Necessary Materials:

1. Access to a computer or tablet with internet connectivity.
2. Access to an online platform for creating the virtual tour (e.g., Google Slides, Google Sites, Prezi).
3. Reliable research sources (books, online articles, documentaries) on Ancient Rome.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

1. Formation of Groups and Allocation of Roles (1 hour): The teacher will divide the class into groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group will decide among themselves who will take on the following roles: Researcher (responsible for gathering information about Ancient Rome), Designer (responsible for creating the layout and visuals of the virtual tour), Writer (responsible for writing the tour script), and Presenter (responsible for presenting the tour to the class).

2. Research (2-3 hours): Each group will spend time researching Ancient Rome using the provided resources and other reliable sources. They should focus on key topics such as Roman architecture, daily life in Ancient Rome, the Roman legal system, and Roman engineering. The researcher should compile all the relevant information.

3. Script Writing (1-2 hours): Based on the research, the writer should create a script for the virtual tour. The script should be informative, engaging, and divided into different parts corresponding to the different sections of the virtual tour.

4. Designing the Virtual Tour (2-3 hours): The designer will use the chosen online platform to create the virtual tour. They should incorporate the script into the tour, adding images, videos, and interactive elements where appropriate. The goal is to create an engaging and informative experience for the "visitors" of the virtual tour.

5. Review and Rehearsal (1 hour): The group should review the virtual tour, making any necessary adjustments. They should also rehearse the presentation to ensure a smooth delivery.

6. Presentation (30 minutes to 1 hour): Each group will present their virtual tour to the class. The presenter should guide the class through the tour, explaining the different parts and answering any questions.

Project Delivery:

At the end of the project, each group should submit:

1. The link to their virtual tour.

2. A written document containing the following:

   • Introduction: Contextualize the theme (Ancient Rome), its relevance, and real-world application. State the objective of your project and the methodology used.
   • Development: Detail the theory behind Ancient Rome, explaining its key features and contributions. Discuss in detail the steps taken to complete the project, the sources used for research, and the roles and responsibilities within the group.
   • Conclusion: Revisit the main points of the project, explicitly stating the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn about Ancient Rome.
   • Bibliography: Indicate the sources relied upon to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

The written document should complement the virtual tour, providing a theoretical understanding of Ancient Rome and detailing the process of creating the virtual tour. The document should be written in a clear, structured manner, using correct grammar, and citing all sources of information.