Stories from the History of Rome

by Emily Beesly

THERE once reigned in a town called Alba in Italy a king whose name was Numitor. He had a brother called Amulius, who was a proud and wicked man, and could not bear that his elder brother should be king over him. So Amulius plotted against his brother. He got together a number of men who were as bad and cruel as himself, and they attacked Numitor and drove him from his throne, and made Amulius king in his stead. They took the sons of Numitor, and his daughter Rhea Silvia, and killed them. Then Amulius seized the two little sons of Rhea Silvia, who were still only babies; he gave them to his soldiers, and told them to throw the poor little boys into the River Tiber. "Then," thought he, "they will be drowned. There will be none of my brother's children left to trouble me, and I shall be king all my life." The soldiers took the two babies in their cradle, lying side by side fast asleep, and carried them to the river...

Genres: History, Ancient History, Ancient, Nonfiction, Childrens

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[grllopez ~ with freedom and books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect history book for introducing Plutarch to young children. Yes...Plutarch!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't feel like I really understood Roman ideology until I read this book. In school, we always focused on Julius Caesar or the fall of Rome, but this gives stories from earlier Roman history -- the stories the Romans told about themselves. These are short enough to read aloud to children, or short enough (and with generously sized print) for children to read themselves. Or, you know, for an adult who doesn't want a three hundred page book -- this is a swift 122 pages and very enjoyable.

[Amy Eckert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book with my students at our Charlotte Mason co-op. After reading it out loud to them in class, they would narrate and discuss. It was incredible the amount of detail they retained from week to week as we reviewed these stories. A perfectly curated book for such an activity.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written to introduce younger children to Rome - their early history and the stories they told about themselves. (We partially use Ambleside Online and read this to gain familiarity before starting Plutarch - my students are grades 6,5, 4 and 2) My boys enjoyed more than my girls but everyone was impressed with the way the Romans lived in such a principled, disciplined way for the values they upheld…also had good discussions on gods and different belief systems. I struggled at times keeping up with who was who in names but my kids didn’t struggle, their little fresh brains are clearly smarter than mine 😛

[Jenni Jex · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book one chapter a week for school because it was suggested as a precursor for Plutarch. The stories were fascinating and my kids were actually sad to be done! The Romans were incredibly loyal to their country, and they valued obedience, sacrifice, and duty - even if it cost them their lives or the lives of those they loved.

[Abby Rohde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the entirety themes of heroism, honor, civic responsibility, and love of country are examined through personal stories. Each chapter could be read as a standalone alone. It was a great read to dip a toe into Roman history/culture. I do wish there was a pronunciation key.

[Emily L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to Roman history. We read it to have some context to begin Plutarch's Lives.

[Leah Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect short true (or at least legendary) stories about pre-Roman Empire for my elementary kiddos. My son especially loves it.

[Melissa Henry]

Some of these stories were excellent. Really good role models for a 9-10 year old boy and some good talking points. I felt like it got better as it went along. Enjoyed reading this with Bo.

[Melissa King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to my kids as preparation for Plutarch this coming school year. Biggest takeaway: to a Roman nothing is more noble or worthy than to die for your country 🤷‍♀️

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intro to Plutarch.

[Carrie Dehart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read aloud as part of our curriculum. Engaging stories and characters, my kids ages 9-12 listened well.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, makes Roman history accessible, kids definitely enjoyed it!

[Amy Bodkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not our favorite.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as our intro to Plutarch for AO year 4.

[Bobbiann Markle · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 10-year-old did not like this book, but kids who are interested in ancient Roman and Greek history probably would because it’s pretty easy to understand and well written.

[Mary Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories to help children learn about the leaders of Ancient Rome, especially if you plan on reading to your children Plutarch. This is a good introduction before moving on to that.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

My third grader and I read this together in our homeschool as preparation for starting Plutarch next year.

[Katelynn]

Read summer before starting Plutarch. Moral of the story is, obey the consuls. Things usually will turn out better for you, usually.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a slog to get through. We gave up after a few chapters. Lots of violence described in detail too.

[Lacy]

Read aloud for Y4 Ambleside curriculum.