HASS · Year 7 · Ancient Rome · Term 2

Founding Myths and Early Rome

Students will explore the legendary founding of Rome, its early monarchy, and the transition to a republic.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9H7K03

About This Topic

The founding myths of Rome center on twins Romulus and Remus, abandoned and raised by a wolf, who embody Roman ideals of resilience and fratricide-forged destiny. Students unpack these legends to see how they cultivated a shared identity, then shift to the historical early monarchy. Seven kings, starting with Romulus, wielded supreme authority in war, religion, and law, while the Senate offered counsel from patrician elders. Key questions guide analysis of these myths' cultural role and the power divide.

Under AC9H7K03, students trace the monarchy's fall after Tarquin the Proud's tyranny, sparked by the rape of Lucretia. Lucius Junius Brutus led the revolt, establishing consuls elected annually and assemblies for broader input. This transition highlights conflicts between elite rule and popular demands, laying foundations for republican governance and citizenship concepts relevant to modern studies.

Active learning suits this topic well. Role-playing senate debates or constructing myth timelines in groups makes abstract shifts in power tangible. Students internalize differences through persuasion and collaboration, while source comparisons clarify legend from history, fostering critical historical thinking.

Key Questions

1. Analyze how the myths of Romulus and Remus shaped Roman identity.
2. Differentiate between the roles of kings and the early Roman Senate.
3. Explain the reasons for the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Republic.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the narrative elements of the Romulus and Remus myth to identify key values and symbols of early Roman identity.
• Compare and contrast the powers and responsibilities of Roman kings with those of the early Roman Senate.
• Explain the specific grievances and events that led to the overthrow of the Roman monarchy.
• Classify the foundational principles of the Roman Republic based on its initial governmental structures.

Before You Start

Introduction to Ancient Civilizations

Why: Students need a basic understanding of what constitutes an ancient civilization and its typical societal structures before exploring a specific one like Rome.

Forms of Government

Why: Familiarity with basic government types like monarchy is essential to understand the transition to a republic.

Key Vocabulary

Patrician	A member of the wealthy, landowning aristocratic families in ancient Rome. They held significant political and social power.
Plebeian	A common citizen in ancient Rome, belonging to the lower social classes. They initially had fewer rights than patricians.
Monarchy	A form of government in which a single ruler, typically a king or queen, holds supreme authority. Rome was initially ruled by kings.
Republic	A form of government where power is held by the people and their elected representatives, rather than by a monarch. This replaced the Roman monarchy.
Senate	A governing council in ancient Rome, composed primarily of elder statesmen and patricians. They advised the kings and later held significant power in the republic.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Romulus and Remus were factual founders of Rome.

What to Teach Instead

These figures are legendary, blending Etruscan influences with Roman self-image. Comparing myth retellings in group discussions and mapping against archaeological evidence helps students distinguish symbol from history, building source evaluation skills.

Common Misconception

Roman kings had absolute, unchecked power.

What to Teach Instead

Kings consulted the Senate and auspices; over time, this eroded royal dominance. Role-plays of council meetings reveal advisory roles, allowing students to debate checks through active simulation.

Common Misconception

The Republic was fully democratic from the start.

What to Teach Instead

Initial power stayed with patricians; plebeians gained rights gradually. Jigsaw activities expose this evolution, as students teach and learn layers, correcting oversimplifications via peer exchange.

Active Learning Ideas

Role-Play: Brothers' Founding Debate

Pairs research Romulus and Remus myths, then role-play a debate on city location and name. They present arguments to the class, which votes on the winner. Conclude with a reflection on how myths built identity.

45 min·Pairs

Jigsaw: Monarchy to Republic Experts

Divide class into expert groups on kings, Senate, overthrow events, and republic structures. Experts teach their topic to new home groups using visuals. Groups then quiz each other on transitions.

50 min·Small Groups

Timeline Construction: Myths vs History

Small groups sort events from myths and archaeology on a large timeline. They add annotations explaining influences on Roman identity. Share and compare timelines class-wide.

40 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate: Kings or Consuls Better?

Pairs prepare pros and cons of monarchy versus early republic based on sources. Hold a structured debate with whole class as judges voting by secret ballot. Debrief on power balances.

40 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Historians specializing in ancient civilizations, like those at the British Museum, use primary source analysis to reconstruct the political and social structures of early Rome, informing public understanding through exhibits and publications.
• Political scientists studying comparative government analyze the transition from monarchy to republic in Rome as a case study for understanding the evolution of democratic institutions and the balance of power, relevant to modern governance debates.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are a Roman citizen in 509 BCE. Would you support overthrowing the king and establishing a republic? Why or why not?' Encourage students to use specific details about the kings' powers and the proposed republican structure in their arguments.

Quick Check

Provide students with a Venn diagram. Ask them to label one circle 'Roman Kings' and the other 'Early Roman Senate.' In the overlapping section, they should list shared characteristics or influences, and in the separate sections, unique powers or roles. Review for accuracy in distinguishing their functions.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, ask students to write two sentences explaining how the myth of Romulus and Remus might have helped unify early Romans. Then, ask them to list one specific reason why the Romans decided to replace their kings with a republic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Romulus and Remus myths shape Roman identity?

The myths portrayed Romans as divinely favored survivors, instilling values of piety, strength, and unity despite civil strife. Students analyze tales like the twins' fratricide to see how they justified expansion and imperial destiny. In class, mapping symbols like the she-wolf onto art and coins connects legend to cultural pride, deepening appreciation for narrative's role in nation-building. (62 words)

What caused the overthrow of the Roman monarchy?

Tarquin the Proud's abuses, especially the rape of Lucretia by his son, ignited outrage. Lucius Junius Brutus rallied senators and people to expel the king, fearing tyranny's return. This event, blending history and legend, marked a shift to elected consuls. Timeline activities help students sequence causes and effects, clarifying pivotal outrage. (68 words)

How can active learning help teach early Roman history?

Role-plays of founding debates or senate sessions let students embody power struggles, making monarchy-republic shifts memorable. Group timelines distinguish myths from facts through hands-on sorting and discussion. Jigsaws build expertise shared collaboratively, addressing misconceptions via peer teaching. These methods turn passive facts into active insights, boosting retention and critical analysis in HASS. (72 words)

What were the key differences between Roman kings and the early Senate?

Kings held executive power for life, leading armies and rituals; the Senate advised on policy, drawing from elder patricians without formal veto until later. Students differentiate via simulations: one group as king proposing, others as senators debating. This reveals evolving balances, preparing for republic studies. (64 words)