Ancient History Resources for Homeschool and Personal Study. This weeks topics: Religion, Violence, Slaves, Roman Generals and Pompeii

Ancient History is studied through the collection of archeological evidence, written records and oral stories or myths. Just because evidence shows a particular belief or custom was common at a particular time does not mean that everyone in that civilization shared that belief. When you study the topics for this week, you can either go deep on one topic for the week and skip the others or you can do a new topic each day. This outline is just a suggested pace, you can go slower or faster as needed. This outline is intended to provide you with a place to start. You will still need to do your own research.

Theaters of Pompeii with a view of Mount Vesuvius

Homeschool Topics for Week 24

Religion

The Gladiator Games: Culturally Accepted Violence

Slavery

Roman Generals

Pompeii

Discussion Questions

Religion

The Romans worshiped a pantheon of gods and goddesses. Jupiter was the sky/thunder god equivalent of the Greek god Zeus. When the civilian population started to wane in their obeisance to the Roman gods, Christianity became popular. However, Roman leaders felt that other religions were a threat. How were people with unacceptable beliefs shunned or persecuted? The unusual thing about Christians is that they were willing to risk persecution and even death for their beliefs. What was their motive?

The Gladiator Games: Culturally Accepted Violence

The Romans enjoyed violent games such as gladiator sports. The games were held in large arenas such as the Circus Maximus. The Romans went all out and brought in hundreds and even thousands of animals to be killed in one event. See archeological remains of the games at the Met. Article in the Atlantic magazine.

Slavery

Slaves were common in Roman society as the emperor's military ambitions constantly put the Roman soldiers in weaker towns and cities. Slaves were considered property and greatly contributed to their owners wealth by working the land. Rome also had publicly owned slaves that worked in the temple or did office work for the government.

Roman Generals

Scipio was a Roman general who witnessed the massacre which occurred when Hannibal invaded in the Second Punic War. Scipio spent his life studying Hannibal's tactics in order to defeat him and he succeeded. His success was not rewarded with glory because some in Rome didn't like him. He ended his life in seclusion but some modern thinkers see him as one of Rome's greatest generals. Wikipedia article on Scipio If you are interested in Roman armor and weapons, this is a great time to study that too.

Pompeii

Pompeii was credited with eradicating the pirates who plagued the Mediterranean. Pompey was buried in up to 65' of ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The remains of Pompey have given us the most information about daily Roman life and customs.

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