Roman Times Webquest

The New Roman Times: A Newspaper of the Roman Empire

Introduction

From its founding in 753 B.C. until right around the time of Jesus' birth, Rome was the center of first a flourishing kingdom, then a thriving republic. But, the next 500 years would belong to the Roman Empire, one of the greatest the world has ever seen. Imperial Rome would eventually encircle the Mediterranean, extending from England to northern Africa, Spain to Iraq.

Beginning with Augustus and ending with Romulus Augustulus, The Roman Empire was ruled by a succession of Emperors, or Caesars. Some were good, some bad; some came to power honestly, some through intrigue.

Proceed next to the Task to begin your adventure...

Task

This project can be for individual students, pairs, or small groups, You will be responsible for publishing one issue of "The New Roman Times", a mythical daily newspaper published in Rome during the imperial years.

You will be responsible for writing five (5) newspaper articles. All the articles need to be written in the present tense, from the perspective of a contemporary (living at the same time) Roman citizen.

Bring your subjects to life. Tell the stories in a way that not only informs your readers, but keeps their interest ,and their subscription to your newsletter. Be sure to include some graphics to illustrate your stories.

Proceed on to the Process for specific instructions.

Process

Your edition of "The New Roman Times" must:

• use Microsoft Word with pre-formatted templates
• Fill two sides of an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper (You may use more pages if necessary)
• have columns
• have 1/2" margins and gutters
• use Times New Roman font (what else!)
• use 10-12 point

A banner, headlines and graphics should also be part of your layout, but should not detract from the word count minimums. Use primary sources where possible.

Check the Resources below for any additional web sites for research that you may need or want to use.

• The Roman Empire (PBS)
• The Roman Empire (UNRV)
• Romans (BBC)
• Roman Empire Info (Roman-empire.info)
• Illustrated History of the Roman Empire (roman-empire.net)
• "A Smaller History of Rome" (Eugene Lawrence and Sir William Smith)
• "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" (Edward Gibbon
• "Addivus Hedulio" (Edward White Lucas)
• "The Common People of Ancient Rome" (Frank Frost Abbott)
• "The History of Rome" (Oliver Goldsmith)
• "The History of Rome" (Titus Livius)
• "The History of Rome" (Theodor Mommsen)
• "Ancient Rome: from the earliest times down to 476 A.D." (Robert Pennell)
• The History of Rome Podcast multiple episodes (Mike Duncan)

Stories

The following stories and/or articles must be included in your Newspaper as:

Individual Stories:

• Roman Army - Diary Entry describing a typical day as a soldier. (Limit 500 Words)
• Emperors of Imperial Rome - Biography on a Roman Emperor (Assigned by the teacher, limit 500 words)
• Roman Society - Diary Entry describing a typical day in the life of a wealth Plebeian Woman. (Limit 500 Words)
• Roman Architecture - Story about three main architecture designs used in Roman Architecture. (Limit 500 words)
• Fall of Roman Empire - Story about how the Barbarians invaded the Roman Empire. (Limit 500 Words).

Advertisements:

• Roman Entertainment - Poster advertising Chariot Races to a Roman Audience.
• Roman Society - Poster advertising a Roman Town House for sale.

Evaluation Rubric

• New Times Roman Newspaper Evaluation Rubric for Project
• New Roman Times Newspaper Scoring Rubric

Conclusion

Few civilizations impacted history the way Imperial Rome did. In the few hundred years that it spread out from the Mediterranean, the Roman Empire affected religion, politics, law, engineering, warfare, economics, language and more in ways that echo still in our modern world.

Through this project, learners will gain an appreciation for and understanding of the conditions impacting the lives of the Roman people and Roman state during a portion of the imperial years.

Learners will be able to effectively explain and communicate in written form the artistic developments, some elements of the economy, sporting pursuits, and political machinations of their chosen period.

Learners must select the lead story from any other team's newspaper and compose a counter point editorial of at least 250 words contesting the investigative report of that team.

Emperors

Emperor

Nero

Caligula

Vespasian

Titus

Augustus

Claudius

Nero

Constantine the Great

Nero

Trajan

Vespasian

Marcus Aurelius

Templates for Newspaper/Newsletter

Use Only:

• Newsletter Templates