Contextualization

The Roman Empire, one of the greatest civilizations in human history, has left an immeasurable impact on our present world. From government systems to architecture, from language to law, the influence of Ancient Rome can be found in various aspects of modern life. Its rich history is not merely a tale of emperors and conquests, but a narrative of societal progress, cultural development, and the dynamics of power.

The Romans not only built an extensive empire that stretched from Britain to Egypt, but they also made significant contributions to fields such as engineering, art, and philosophy. They pioneered the use of concrete and arches in construction, which still forms the basis of modern architecture. Roman art, known for its realistic portrayal of human figures, has also shaped Western art for centuries. In terms of governance, the Romans created a system of laws that laid the foundation for many legal systems today.

However, the story of Ancient Rome is not all about grandeur and achievements. It is also a tale of societal struggles, class conflicts, and the challenges of maintaining an empire. Understanding these complexities can provide us with valuable lessons for our present society, where we grapple with similar issues.

Introduction

In this project, we will delve into the fascinating world of Ancient Rome. We will explore various aspects of Roman society, its governance, architecture, and culture, and understand how these elements have influenced modern life.

To embark on this journey, you will need a reliable source of information. The "Ancient Rome" section of the Khan Academy website (https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman) is an excellent starting point. It offers detailed articles, videos, and interactive activities on different topics related to Ancient Rome. You can also use books from your school's library or reputable online sources like the British Museum (https://www.britishmuseum.org/learn/schools/ages-7-11/romans) and the BBC History website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/).

As you delve into the world of Ancient Rome, keep in mind that this project is not just about gaining knowledge. It's about understanding the relevance of this historical period to our world today. How does the Roman concept of citizenship relate to modern ideas of democracy? How has Roman architecture influenced our cities? Pondering on these questions will make your exploration more enriching.

Importance and Real-World Application

The study of Ancient Rome is not just for historians or university students. Its impact is all around us, from the buildings we live and work in to the laws that govern our societies. By understanding the roots of these influences, we can better appreciate the complexities of our world.

For instance, the Roman concept of a republic, where citizens have the power to elect their leaders, forms the basis of many modern democracies. The Roman system of laws, known as the Twelve Tables, is considered the foundation of Western legal systems. Even our calendar is based on the one devised by Julius Caesar!

Therefore, the study of Ancient Rome is not a mere academic exercise. It is a journey to understand our past, so we can make better decisions for our future.

Resources

1. "Ancient Rome" section of the Khan Academy website: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman
2. Books from the school library:
   • "The Romans: Gods, Emperors, and Dormice" by Marcia Williams
   • "Ancient Rome: A Complete Resource That Helps Kids Learn About This Fascinating Civilization" by Richard Panchyk
3. British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/learn/schools/ages-7-11/romans
4. BBC History website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Reconstructing Ancient Rome: A Multidisciplinary Approach"

Objective of the Project

The main objective of this project is to encourage students to explore various aspects of Ancient Rome in a hands-on and engaging manner. The students will delve into the Roman society, its governance, architecture, and culture, and understand how these elements have influenced modern life. Furthermore, this activity aims to foster teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

Detailed Description of the Project

In this project, each group (comprised of 3 to 5 students) will be tasked with creating a miniature, interactive model of an aspect of Ancient Rome. The model can represent a Roman building, a scene from daily life, a Roman law in action, or any other aspect of Ancient Rome that the group finds interesting.

The model should be accompanied by a written report detailing the historical context of the chosen aspect, the process of creating the model, and the group's reflections on the project.

The project duration is one month, requiring a significant amount of time outside of school hours to research, plan, create, and document the project.

Necessary Materials

1. Craft materials (cardboard, clay, paint, etc.) for constructing the model.
2. Digital or physical resources for research (books, internet access, etc.).
3. Writing materials for the report.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity

1. Team Formation, Topic Selection, and Research (5 hours): Form groups, choose a topic related to Ancient Rome, and conduct initial research. This research will help you understand the historical context and gather ideas for your model.

2. Model Planning (5 hours): Based on your research, brainstorm ideas for your model. Sketch a rough plan of your model, indicating the materials you will need and how you will construct it.

3. Model Construction (10 hours): Start building your model based on your plan. Remember, your model should be interactive, so consider incorporating moving parts or elements that can be manipulated.

4. Documentation (5 hours): As you work on your model, document your process. Take photos or videos of key steps, and write brief descriptions to go along with them. This documentation will be used in your final written report.

5. Report Writing (10 hours): After completing your model, write a detailed report about your project. The report should include the following sections:

   • Introduction: Contextualize the theme of your model and its relevance to the real world.
   • Development: Detail the theory behind your chosen topic, explain your model's construction process, and present and discuss your findings.
   • Conclusion: Reflect on what you have learned from the project and how it has enriched your understanding of Ancient Rome.
   • Bibliography: List the sources you used for your research and for creating your model.

6. Presentation (2 hours): Each group will present their model and report to the class. The presentation should cover the key points of your report and demonstrate the interactive features of your model.

Project Deliverables

1. A completed and interactive model of an aspect of Ancient Rome.
2. A detailed written report on the project, following the structure outlined above.
3. A group presentation of the model and report.

The report and the model should complement each other, with the report providing a detailed account of the project and the model serving as a visual representation of the group's work. This project is a culmination of your knowledge, research, teamwork, and creativity, showcasing your understanding of Ancient Rome in a unique and engaging way.