Learn in All 7 Learning Styles
Welcome to the
Roman Adventure Box
Roman Expansion
Ultimate Guide to Roman History
Extra Crafts
Heroes and Villains Series
The Founding of Rome (753 BC)
Video Lesson
Living Books
Living Books to Read While Studying the Founding of Rome (Click on the Links Below)
Elementary School (Ages 6–10):
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Romulus and Remus (Building Fluency through Reader's Theater): Designed as a script for young students to perform, this book brings the story of Rome's founders to life, enhancing reading fluency and engagement.
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Roman Myths: Romulus and Remus by Geraldine McCaughrean: Part of a series on Roman myths, this book retells the tale of Romulus and Remus with vivid illustrations, making it accessible and captivating for children.
Middle School (Ages 11–14):
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Medusa's Daughter: Romulus and Remus by Greg Krajac: In Medusa's Daughter: Romulus and Remus, Seraphina, the immortal daughter of Medusa, navigates a perilous world of gods and mortals as she helps Romulus and Remus, the divine sons of Mars, forge their destiny
High School (Ages 14+):
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Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor: A historical novel that traces the history of Rome through the lives of two families, beginning with the story of Romulus and Remus.
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Chronicle of the Roman Republic: The Rulers of Ancient Rome from Romulus to Augustus by Philip Matyszak: The Roman Republic was one of the most civilized societies in the ancient world, ruled by elected officials... inspired the founding fathers of the United States of America.
The Roman Civil War
Living Books
Week 2: The Fall of the Republic and the Rise of the Empire (146–27 BC)
Topics: Gracchi, civil wars, Julius Caesar, rise of Augustus
K–5th Grade
• Cicero Biography For Curious Kids, by Melina Waters – A humorous and surprisingly insightful comic-style book that shows the Roman world in contrast.
• You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Roman Gladiator! by John Malam – Interactive and educational, full of facts with fun illustrations.
6th–8th Grade
• The Ides of April by Mary Ray – A mystery set in Roman times exploring politics and justice.
• The Caesar Secret: An Adventure Guild Story by Ernest Dempsey – A fictionalized but fact-filled account of Caesar’s rise and fall.
9th–12th Grade
• The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius – Accessible translations are available that make this classic readable for high schoolers.
• Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare – Ideal for deeper literature and political study.
• Augustus: The Life of Rome’s First Emperor by Anthony Everitt – A compelling biography for mature students exploring power and transformation.
The People and Culture of Pax Romana
Living Books
Week 3: The Roman Empire and Society (27 BC–AD 235)
Topics: Pax Romana, daily life, engineering, religion and mythology
K–5th Grade
• Roman Diary: The Journal of Iliona by Richard Platt – Tells a child’s-eye view of Roman life.
• Explore Ancient Rome! by Carmella Van Vleet – Great for hands-on projects and young readers interested in Roman innovation.
6th–8th Grade
• Archimedes and the Door of Science by Jeanne Bendick – Though Greek-focused, ties into Roman-era innovation and science.
• The Roman Mysteries Series by Caroline Lawrence – Historical fiction that explores different parts of Roman society.
• Classic Myths to Read Aloud by William F. Russell – Engaging stories from Roman mythology.
9th–12th Grade
• Pax Romana: War, Peace and Conquest in the Roman World by Adrian Goldsworthy – Offers detailed insights into Roman peace and conquest.
• The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark – A sociological and historical study of Christianity’s spread in the Roman world.
• Engineering an Empire: The Rise and Fall of Rome (Documentary Companion Book) – Rich with images and context.
The Tetrarchy and the Rise of Constantine
Living Books
Week 4: The Decline and Fall of Rome (AD 235–476)
Topics: Crisis of the Third Century, Constantine, invasions, fall of the West
K–5th Grade
• Eyewitness Ancient Rome: Discover one of history's greatest civilizations (DK Eyewitness) learn about Rome through artifacts.
• Ancient Romans by Anita Ganeri – Simple but informative for early learners about Roman culture and decline.
6th–8th Grade
• Attila the Hun: Leader of the Barbarian Hordes (A Wicked History) by Sean Price – A look at external pressures on Rome.
• Constantine (Leaders of the Ancient World) by Margaux Baum – Focuses on Constantine’s reforms and religious influence.
9th–12th Grade
• The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians by Peter Heather – Dense but rewarding for students ready for historical argumentation.
• The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (abridged by Edward Gibbon) – Classical history and interpretation, best in abridged modern editions.
• Constantine the Emperor by David Potter – A scholarly but approachable account of his rule and legacy.