The Roman Republic and the Roman Empire

(1) Research Activity

The Roman Republic and the Roman Empire

Objective

To research and understand the main differences between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire in a clear and visual way.

---

Instructions

1. Work in pairs or groups of three (or individually).
2. Use the textbook and two reliable websites to research.
3. Create a presentation of 6 to 8 slides using Canva (or a similar tool).
4. Use images, maps, and icons, not only text.
5. Write the information in your own words.

---

Slide Content

Slide 1 – Cover

• Title of the project
• Name(s)
• Class and date
• Image of Ancient Rome

Slide 2 – What was the Roman Republic?

• Approximate dates
• Who ruled
• One key idea (for example: the Senate, What was the Senate?)

Slide 3 – What was the Roman Empire?

• Approximate dates
• Who ruled
• One key idea (for example: the emperor)

Slide 4 – Main Differences
(You can use a table or two columns)

• Type of government
• Who had the power
• Size of the territory

Slide 5 – Important Figures

• Republic: Julius Caesar (or another figure)
• Empire: Augustus (or another figure)
• Short explanation of each one

Slide 6 – Daily Life

• How people lived
• Army, cities, or entertainment

Slide 7 – Fun Facts

• 2 or 3 interesting facts (e.g., gladiators, Roman roads)

Slide 8 – Sources

• Books or websites used

(2) Project Title: «Rome: From City-State to Master of the World»

Objective: Students will act as «time-traveling reporters» journeying into the past to compare the two most famous eras of Ancient Rome.

1. The Mission

You must create a 5 to 6-slide presentation that answers one key question: What was the difference between living in a Republic versus living in an Empire?

2. Project Structure (Suggested Content)

• Slide 1: Striking Cover. Include the title, team names, and an iconic image of Rome (a gladiator, the Colosseum, or a bust of Julius Caesar).
• Slide 2: The Republic (Power to the people… mostly).
  • Explain the role of the Senate.
  • Mention the motto SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus).
  • Key Concept: Power was shared so that no single person could become «King.»
• Slide 3: The Empire (The power of one).
  • Who was the first emperor? (Augustus Caesar).
  • How did leadership change? (From voting and debates to absolute power).
• Slide 4: Daily Life Checklist. A simple comparison table:
  • Who was in charge? (Consuls vs. Emperor).
  • Expansion: (The Roman Legions).
  • Entertainment: (Baths, theater, the circus).
• Slide 5: The Legacy. Choose an invention or construction we still use today (bridges, aqueducts, laws, or the Romance languages).
• Slide 6: Conclusion. In which era would you have preferred to live and why?

---

3. Canva Design Tips

• Less is more: Avoid giant paragraphs. Use short phrases and bullet points.
• Use Icons: Search for elements like «Roman helmet,» «column,» or «sword» for decoration.
• Visual Graphics:
  • Suggestion: Use a pyramid chart to show how the Emperor sat at the very top of the social hierarchy during the Empire.

Recommended Websites for Research

General & Student-Friendly

• National Geographic Kids
  (Busca: Ancient Rome o Roman Empire)
• BBC Bitesize
  (Sección: Ancient Rome)
• Ducksters
  (Temas: Roman Republic, Roman Empire)

---

History Focused (Simple)

• History for Kids
  
• Kids Britannica (Britannica School)