Lesson plan based on Hadrian

Research, compare, and identify imperial Rome’s impact on modern governments.

Skills and Focus: Cultural Comparisons, Writing

Subject Area: Social Science

Thematic Connection: Comparing Cultures

Grade Level: Secondary School

Time Needed: 60-90 minutes

Objectives

• Compare the political system of ancient Rome to modern political systems throughout the world.

Instructional Materials Needed

Stories: Who Was Hadrian? and Portraits of Roman Emperors

Activity

Have students research imperial Rome and write an essay that identifies its impact on modern governments (e.g., 18th-century absolutism, 20th-century totalitarianism, and so on). Have students compare modern leaders to Hadrian, identifying those leadership traits and accomplishments they have in common. After students have written their essays, have them debate which aspects of ancient and modern leadership worked most effectively and why.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 14: Understand, analyze, and compare political systems with an emphasis on the United States.

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