On July 19, 64 CE, a fire started in Rome. When the fire was extinguished six days later, more than 70% of the city was in ruins.
Grades
3 - 12
Subjects
Social Studies, World History
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The popular myth that "Nero fiddled while Rome burned" is not true—even in the first century CE, Rome was filled with poorly constructed slums that easily caught fire.
Illustration by M. de Lipman, from Quo Vadis, Nero and the burning of Rome (1897)
civilization founded on the Mediterranean Sea, lasting from the 8th century BCE to about 476 CE.
people and culture focused on the teachings of Jesus and his followers.
to build or erect.
system of spiritual or political devotion, usually derided by more mainstream organizations.
to ruin or make useless.
ruler of an empire.
to surround or submerge.
very large.
to put out a fire or flame.
to play a stringed instrument, or the stringed instrument itself.
person who studies events and ideas of the past.
having a very bad reputation.
large home or mansion, often the home of a leader or dignitary.
to destroy completely, especially by tearing down.
person who resists the authority of government.
area of a city that is crowded, often lacking basic services such as electricity or sewage, and inhabited by poor people.
large structure, often used for sports or other entertainment events, with a central event area surrounded by raised seats for viewers.
building used for worship.
Some say the city of Rome was founded on the Palatine Hill by Romulus, son of Mars, the god of war. Others say that Aeneas and some of his followers escaped the fall of Troy and established the town. Regardless of which of the many myths one prefers, no one can doubt the impact of ancient Rome on western civilization. A people known for their military, political, and social institutions, the ancient Romans conquered vast amounts of land in Europe and northern Africa, built roads and aqueducts, and spread Latin, their language, far and wide. Use these classroom resources to teach middle schoolers about the empire of ancient Rome.
Some say the city of Rome was founded on the Palatine Hill by Romulus, son of Mars, the god of war. Others say that Aeneas and some of his followers escaped the fall of Troy and established the town. Regardless of which of the many myths one prefers, no one can doubt the impact of ancient Rome on western civilization. A people known for their military, political, and social institutions, the ancient Romans conquered vast amounts of land in Europe and northern Africa, built roads and aqueducts, and spread Latin, their language, far and wide. Use these classroom resources to teach middle schoolers about the empire of ancient Rome.