Summary: This lesson examines the life of Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator who led a major slave revolt against the Roman Republic. It explores the events of the Third Servile War, the strategies employed by Spartacus, and the brutal suppression of the rebellion by Roman forces. Activities: Timeline sorting activity to understand the chronological order of events during the revolt. Guided reading about Spartacus’ leadership and the rebellion’s impact on Roman society. Role-play activity to explore different perspectives within the revolt, including Roman leaders and slaves. Writing a motivational speech from Spartacus’ viewpoint, incorporating reasons for the revolt discussed in class. For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.

Summary: This lesson discusses the Roman Climate Optimum, a period of favorable climate conditions that contributed to the agricultural and economic stability of the Roman Empire. Activities: Guided reading to understand the impact of climate on Rome’s success. Comparison essay activity assessing the role of climate versus military and infrastructure in Rome’s expansion. Discussion on human agency in history and the extent to which environmental factors shaped Roman success. Peer assessment of essays for structure and historical accuracy. For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.

Summary: This lesson explores the reign of Emperor Nero, focusing on his controversial leadership, the Great Fire of Rome, and his impact on Roman society and governance. Activities: Bullet point activity to summarize key aspects of Nero’s life and rule. Analysis of Nero’s decisions and their impact on Roman society. Discussion on Nero’s portrayal in historical sources and his legacy. Role-play activity to debate Nero’s contributions and failures as an emperor. For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website

Summary: The lesson covers the Judean Revolt against Roman rule, highlighting factors that led to the uprising and its significant events, including the siege of Masada and the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Activities: Sorting activity using timeline cards to understand the sequence of events. Watching a documentary to explore how historical narratives are constructed. Discussion on long-term and short-term causes of the revolt. Writing an essay on the factors that led to the revolt using provided structure and keywords. For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.

Summary: This lesson focuses on Hadrian’s Wall, a significant Roman fortification in Britain built under Emperor Hadrian to mark the northern boundary of the empire. The wall was designed to secure the frontier, control movement, and assert Roman presence. Activities: Reading and defining keywords associated with Hadrian’s Wall. Analysis of source materials about the wall’s construction and purpose. Creating a postcard from the perspective of an Aurelian Moor stationed at the wall, describing their experiences. Discussion on the differences between the Roman-controlled areas and the lands north of the wall. For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.

Summary: This lesson delves into the philosophies of notable Roman thinkers such as Seneca, Ovid, Virgil, and Pliny the Elder. It explores how their ideas on ethics, leadership, and personal growth influenced Roman society and continue to impact modern thought. Activities: Discussion and identification of anachronistic elements in materials. Research and presentation on famous Roman philosophers, focusing on their contributions and philosophies. Debate on the relevance of Roman philosophical ideas in today’s world, followed by a class vote on the most influential philosopher. Writing exercise using the PEEKA paragraph structure to articulate the importance of one Roman philosopher. For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.

Summary: This lesson covers the life and achievements of Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. It discusses his role in the Edict of Milan, the founding of Constantinople, and the shaping of Christian doctrine at the First Council of Nicaea. Activities: Video analysis and discussion on Constantine’s conversion and his significant reforms. Quiz-Quiz-Trade activity using key terms associated with Constantine’s life and achievements. Scriptwriting and performance of a “This Is Your Life” style TV talk show, exploring Constantine’s life and achievements. Group presentations and peer review based on the criteria provided. For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.

Summary: This lesson examines Roman Colchester, known historically as Camulodunum, focusing on its significance as the first Roman capital in Britain. The lesson explores the city’s key features such as theatres, the Temple of Claudius, and the unique Roman chariot-racing circus. Activities: Discussion on the techniques historians use to discover Britain’s Roman past. Guided reading and analysis of the key features of Roman Colchester. Creation of a travel brochure for Roman Colchester, highlighting its main attractions with historical accuracy and visual appeal. Peer assessment on the accuracy and attractiveness of the created brochures. For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.

Summary: This lesson focuses on the role and life of gladiators in Roman culture, exploring the types of gladiators, the weapons they used, and the societal impact of gladiatorial games. Activities: Guided reading on the life of a Roman Gladiator and the symbolism of the gladiatorial games. Creative task to simulate a Gladiator commentary for “Radio Rome,” incorporating specific vocabulary and detailed descriptions. Designing a promotional poster for a gladiatorial event, emphasizing the spectacle and excitement of the games. Peer assessment to ensure historical accuracy and creativity in the posters. For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.

Summary: Focusing on Queen Boudicca’s uprising against Roman rule in 60-61 CE, this lesson explores the causes and consequences of this significant event in Roman Britain. It details the brutal treatment of the Iceni tribe, Boudicca’s leadership, and the revolt’s ultimate suppression. Activities: Guided reading followed by a cartoon strip creation depicting key moments of the revolt. Analysis of ‘factor cards’ to understand the reasons behind the revolt, categorized by themes like tribal unity and Roman oppression. Essay writing to argue the importance of Boudicca’s leadership in the success of the early stages of the revolt. Peer assessment to ensure inclusion of all required elements in the essays and adherence to the lesson’s structure. For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.

Summary: The lesson centers on the catastrophic defeat of Roman legions by Germanic tribes in the Teutoburg Forest, led by Arminius. It emphasizes the tactical errors, environmental challenges, and the betrayal that led to this significant Roman military loss. Activities: Keyword activity involving writing and throwing papers to learn key terms and their definitions. Sorting timeline cards to understand the sequence of related historical events. Discussion on the impact of the battle on European history. Writing an army report back to Rome outlining the events and suggesting future military reforms.

Summary: This lesson delves into the reasons behind the collapse of the Roman Empire, highlighting historical perspectives and the insights of historian Edward Gibbon. It addresses the empire’s challenges such as political instability, economic stagnation, and external threats. Activities: Source review with a focus on listing reasons for the empire’s decline. Reading and analysis of Edward Gibbon’s viewpoints. Group discussion and essay writing on the reliance on slavery as a significant factor in the empire’s fall. Quiz on the major consequences of issues like political changes, economic problems, and external invasions.

Summary: This lesson explores the significance and uses of Roman villas, focusing on a case study of the Castle Hill Roman Villa in Ipswich, Suffolk. It examines the role of villas as homes, business centers, and places for relaxation and social gatherings in Roman times. Activities: Pair and group discussions on the importance and functions of Roman villas. Source analysis of the Castle Hill Roman Villa discovery. True or False quiz about the excavation details. Creation of an estate agent brochure to advertise a Roman villa using historical features and creative marketing strategies.

Overview: Delve into the history of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in the United States, highlighting the efforts to secure women’s voting rights culminating in the 19th Amendment. Activities: o Video Analysis: Watch a documentary on the suffrage movement, focusing on influential leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul. o Timeline Organization: Sort key events from the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. o Case Study: Examine Alice Paul’s role and strategies in the later stages of the suffrage movement, particularly her use of militant tactics.