The Best Book of Ancient Rome

by Deborah Murrell

Find out more about everyday life in ancient Rome and what it meant to live in this fascinating city at the height of its empire. Every aspect of this great civilization is explored, from the bloodthirsty gladiators and the terrifying chariot races, to a day in the life of the wealthy, to how the powerful senators controlled their city and expanded its empire.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

31 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 2004

About the author

Deborah Murrell has worked in publishing as both a writer and editor for more than 20 years. She has written about the middle ages as well as ancient times, and produced a CD-ROM on ancient cultures.

Reviews

[Ibran Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for beginners learning about the ancient roman empire, from when it began to its downfall. Illustrations are engaging as they allow children to relate to the everyday lives of the romans. This is also good for EAL children who may not be aware of a catapult or other devices, objects used.

In terms of content, many aspects of the civilisation are mentioned from the highs and the lows of the empire. I like how the chariot race is described in detail, if gives the reader a entertaining insight.

Very factual book but with the illustrations, it can be turned into an interesting and insightful peice of reading.

[Jackson Beckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

ancient Rome was the most powerful country of its time! It started Around 3,000 years ago,a tribe called the Latins settled on seven hills of which eventually joined together.They had chosen a good place to live.From the top of the hills,they could easily see enemies approaching.The fist kings of Rome were all kings.King Tarquinius II was also known as Tarquinius Superbus which means “the proud”.Eventuly the people of Rome drove his royal family out of the city.Most city people lived in wooden houses.fires often happend because,most people in wooden houses .The roman army Conquered many lands,and also recruited local soldiers,Called Auxiliaries, were useful because they knew the area well. Julius Cesar was a great brilliant General.He extended Rome as far from Spain to Saudi Arabia, from Great Britain to Egypt. at the Colosseum, there were wild animal fights in the morning and gladiator fights in the afternoon. at chariot races teams of drivers , chariots , and horses competed.They hurtled around the racetrack seven times, with chariots falling over and horses and people getting hurt or even killed.The fans sometimes became so excited that they began fighting one other!

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and educational

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read about everyday life in Ancient Rome. How it began, rulers, conquering lands, the empire, the army, daily life, homes, sports, and the fall of the empire.

New Mexico Social Studies Standards:

- Strand: History; Content Standard I; 5-8 Benchmark 1-A New Mexico; Grade 6; 1
- Strand: History; Content Standard I; 5-8 Benchmark 1-B United States; Grade 6; 1
- Strand: History; Content Standard I; 5-8 Benchmark 1-C World; Grade 6; 5
- Strand: Geography; Content Standard II; 5-8 Benchmark 2-B; Grade 6
- Strand: Geography; Content Standard II; 5-8 Benchmark 2-C; Grade 6
- Strand: Geography; Content Standard II; 5-8 Benchmark 2-E; Grade 6
- Strand: Geography; Content Standard II; 5-8 Benchmark 2-F; Grade 6
- Strand: Civics and Government; Content Standard III; 5-8 Benchmark 3-A; Grade 6
- Strand: Civics and Government; Content Standard III; 5-8 Benchmark 3-C; Grade 6; 1
- Strand: Civics and Government; Content Standard III; 5-8 Benchmark 3-D; Grade 6
- Strand: Economics; Content Standard IV; 5-8 Benchmark 4-C; Grade 6

*Available at Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Libraries*

[Taylor Pettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book informs of the daily life in ancient Rome and the fascinating places and experiences people had while living in the city. I think students would love this book for learning about the gladiators, chariot races, as well as the life of the wealthy. I found all the pictures and descriptions very interesting and gained a knowledge of the roman empire.

[Duane · Rating 3 out of 5]

For beginner readers, this is a nice book for anyone interested in ancient Rome and the people and places that it entailed. Filled with wonderful illustrations, the reader will learn how Rome came to be and the eventual downfall that took it. A nice book for anyone's collection.

[Kristen Fort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has some good, basic information about ancient Rome and illustrations to share with the Latin students.