Exploring Our World: Western Hemisphere People, Places, and Cultures

Chapter 11: History and Cultures of Europe

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter, students learned about the history and cultures of Europe. More than 2,000 years ago, Ancient Greece and Rome laid the foundations of European civilization. Roman law shaped legal systems in Europe and elsewhere, and the Roman ideas of a republic and a system of justice still influence countries today. By learning more about life in Ancient Rome, students will understand the historical setting that allowed these ideas to grow and flourish.

Lesson Description
Students will visit a PBS Web site to learn about daily life in Ancient Rome. This lesson will help students understand the structure of the Roman Empire’s society and government. Students will also understand why the Roman Empire played an instrumental part in the spread of early religions.

Instructional Objectives

1. The learner will be able to explain the scope of the Roman Empire’s control.
2. The learner will be able to describe the position and power of the emperor.
3. The learner will be able to explain how the empire helped to spread foreign religions throughout the ancient world.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. one in four, or 25%
2. the emperor
3. Emperors ruled for life; they could not be removed from power
4. Christianity and Judaism spread because Roman citizens were permitted to travel and trade freely.