The Dark History of Ancient Rome (Dark Histories)
Dark Histories Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
A collection of dark deeds from the ancient and medieval world, highlighting cruel and irrational acts of emperors like Commodus and the persecution of early Christians in ancient and early medieval Rome.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most surprising about the daily life of people in Ancient Rome?
How do you think the beliefs and values of Ancient Romans influenced their decisions and society?
What differences and similarities do you see between Ancient Rome and our world today?
Why do you think it's important to learn about the history of civilizations like Ancient Rome?
How did the leadership in Ancient Rome impact the lives of its citizens?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to consider how history influences present-day society. Highlight connections between the past and current events to make the discussion more relevant. Use examples from the book to discuss moral and ethical questions, enhancing their analytical skills. Lastly, be open to exploring their perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for history.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: Through events and figures in Ancient Rome, children see how decisions and actions had long-lasting impacts on societies.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think about the outcomes of their choices, promoting responsibility and foresight in daily decisions.
Example Lesson: The significance of leadership and governance
Explanation: The book illustrates how various Roman leaders influenced the development and structure of one of the most powerful empires in history.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of good leadership and its effect on community well-being, encouraging interest in how their own community is managed.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: Ancient Rome faced numerous challenges including wars, political strife, and social issues, showing the resilience needed to overcome these obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this to personal challenges, understanding that perseverance and resilience are key to overcoming difficulties.
Example Lesson: Valuing cultural heritage
Explanation: The book explores the rich cultural and historical contributions of Ancient Rome, highlighting the importance of preserving historical legacies.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and conserve their own cultural and historical heritages.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Discussing the moral complexities faced by Roman leaders and citizens, the book prompts reflections on ethics and morality.
Real-World Application: This provides a basis for children to evaluate ethical dimensions of their own decisions, fostering a sense of morality in everyday life.