Materials

• Map depicting the spread of the Roman Empire
• Class notes (see bolded text in Instructional Activities below)
• Map of present-day Italy
• Figures on the size and population of present-day Rome
• Overhead projector (optional)

Instructional Activities

1. Review content covered to this point in the unit.
   
   
2. To begin the session, explain that Rome became the dominant power in the area of Rome by the 700s b.c. By the 200s b.c. Rome dominated most of Italy, and by the 100s b.c. the Roman Empire spanned Spain, North Africa, Greece, Asia Minor, and Egypt. By the 100s a.d. the Roman Empire consisted of territory from Scotland to Persia. By the 400s a.d. the Roman Empire began to collapse. Use a map to illustrate the growth of the Roman Empire.
   
   
3. Ask students what characteristics must have been present in Rome for it to rule such a large territory. Provide current information on the size and population of Rome. Ask how an Empire that was so large and ruled for so long could lose its position of power in the world.
   
   
4. Put the following notes on the board or overhead:
   
        The city of Rome’s central location on the Italian peninsula helped it to extend its influence over the Mediterranean Basin.
   
       The Italian peninsula was protected by the sea and by the Alps.
   
   Using a map of Italy, illustrate the significance of geography to the security of Rome.
   
   
5. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.