My Best Book of Ancient Rome
The Big Book Series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Find out what it really meant to live in Rome at the height of its empire. Discover more about the powerful Roman leaders, ruling millions of people from places as far apart as Britain and Egypt. Marvel at the brutal gladiator fights, terrifying chariot races and much more.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about how people lived in Ancient Rome?
Can you imagine what a day in the life of a Roman child might have been like? How do you think it would be different from your day?
Why do you think the Romans built such large structures, like the Colosseum?
How did the achievements of Ancient Rome influence the world we live in today?
If you could meet one character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their daily life with that of a child in Ancient Rome, highlighting both similarities and differences.
Discuss the illustrations with your child, asking them to describe what they see and what it tells them about Roman life and culture.
Connect the book’s content to current world structures or systems that have origins in Ancient Rome, such as government or architecture, to make the historical context more relevant.
Ask your child to pick their favorite Roman achievement or character from the book and explain why it stands out to them, fostering a deeper personal connection to the material.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking how they would solve a problem if they were a leader in Ancient Rome.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding governance and leadership
Explanation: The book provides insights into the political structure of Ancient Rome, showcasing how decisions were made and leaders were chosen.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to understand the importance of governance in their own school or community activities, recognizing the role of leadership in organizing and making decisions.
Example Lesson: The significance of societal roles
Explanation: Through discussions of various roles within Roman society from senators to plebeians, the book highlights how each role contributed to the functioning of the city.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of different jobs and responsibilities, encouraging respect and appreciation for diverse contributions in their immediate environments such as school or family.
Example Lesson: Learning from historical successes and failures
Explanation: The book covers both the triumphs and downfalls of Ancient Rome, providing a balanced perspective on history.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of learning from past mistakes and successes, applying these insights to personal or academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: ‘My Best Book of Ancient Rome’ immerses readers in the culture of Rome, from architecture to daily life, enriching their knowledge and appreciation of a different civilization.
Real-World Application: This understanding fosters greater cultural sensitivity and curiosity about world history, encouraging open-mindedness and inclusive attitudes.
Example Lesson: Importance of infrastructure and technology
Explanation: The book discusses Roman innovations such as roads, aqueducts, and military strategies that were ahead of their time.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to appreciate and be curious about scientific and engineering advancements, understanding their impact on society’s progress.