Activities to Teach Students About Augustus and the Rise of the Roman Empire
Augustus, born Gaius Octavius, was the first emperor of the Roman Empire who ruled from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD. Augustus was known for his conquests, administrative reforms, and public works which helped propel Rome to become a dominant empire in the world. Teaching students about Augustus and the rise of the Roman Empire is important to help them understand the impact that the Roman Empire had on the world, and how it can still be seen in modern times. There are many activities that can be used to teach students about Augustus and the rise of the Roman Empire, and here are a few to get started.
1. Role-Playing Activity
In this activity, students can take on various roles such as Augustus, his closest advisors, or key political and military figures such as Mark Antony or Julius Caesar. The students can then act out critical events such as the Battle of Actium, the assassination of Julius Caesar, or the various campaigns that led to the establishment of the Roman Empire. This allows students to gain a better understanding of the social, political, and military dynamics of the time, and how they influenced the rise of the Roman Empire.
2. Interactive Map Activity
During the time of Augustus, the Roman Empire extended from Spain to Syria and from Britain to Egypt. An interactive map activity can be used to help students visualize the extent of the Roman Empire and its territories. The map can be divided into different regions, and students can be tasked with researching different aspects of each region such as its resources, culture, and economic output. This activity helps students understand the diversity and complexity of the Roman Empire and how this contributed to its success.
3. Augustus and the Arts Activity
Augustus was a great patron of the arts, and his reign saw a significant cultural renaissance. This activity can involve students designing their own monuments or sculptures to celebrate Augustus’ achievements. They can research different styles of Roman art and sculpture, and then create their own designs which incorporate different aspects of Augustus’ reign such as his military conquests, his building projects, and his reforms. This activity tasks students with considering what is important about Augustus and his impact on the Roman Empire, and how this can be conveyed through art.
4. Scientific Inquiry Activity
During Augustus’ reign, there were many scientific advancements in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering. This activity would involve students researching one of these scientific areas and then presenting their findings to the class. They could use visual aids such as diagrams or models to help explain their research, and this will be a great way to understand the scientific advancements under Augustus’ rule and how they contributed to the advance of the Roman Empire.
In conclusion, teaching students about Augustus and the rise of the Roman Empire is important to help them understand the impact that the Roman Empire had on the world, and how it can still be seen in modern times. The above activities, which include role-playing, interactive map work, art and science, can help students learn about the different social, political, and cultural elements that made up the Roman Empire, and it can give students a deeper understanding of how it rose to become a dominant world power.