Pbs: The Roman Empire of the 1st Century: Mapping an Empire

In this lesson, students will compare a map of the Roman Empire in 44 BC with one of the Roman Empire in 116 AD. Using these two maps as a reference, students will use critical reading skills to learn about the expansion of the Roman Empire during that time period. Relying on the resources available on The Roman Empire in the First Century Web site, students will learn about which countries/territories were conquered by each Roman emperor. After reviewing basic map skills and information, students will use the data collected to construct their own maps documenting the historical expansion of the Roman Empire. They will then use the data represented on the map to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of specific emperors as well as the positive and negative aspects of expanding the Roman Empire so much in such a short time.