An introduction to the Roman Republic: A leap forward or baby steps?

This lesson provides an overview of the key themes of the Roman Republican period. I designed it as an introduction for my GCSE Ancient History class to their chronological study of the Republican period.

The lesson uses Livy as a primary source and Mary Beard as a secondary source to outline the main themes that crop up in a study of the Republic. The lesson uses both authors as a ‘way in’ to the era.

The lesson seeks to draw out an understanding of:

1. The conflict between the patricians and plebeians
2. How the Romans saw the Republic favourably in comparison to the Regal (kings) period
3. What the main political offices were in Republican Rome
4. The extent to which we can trust what ancient writers tell us about the early and later Republic.

Progress checks are included throughout to promote literacy - matching key words to abstract/non abstract images to exhibit understanding. A video link is also included in the plenary which outlines the main political offices of the time and how elections were conducted.

This is very much an overview lesson for the time period which can stand alone or be used as an introduction to the Roman republic. I felt it was necessary to ‘set the scene’ for my students before doing so and this lesson does this really well.