Lesson plan based on Mosaic Floor

Explore the role of animals in ancient Rome through the interpretation of a fictional account.

Skills and Focus: Reading, Discussion, Critical Analysis

Subject Area: English Language Arts

Thematic Connection: Animals

Grade Level: Middle School

Time Needed: 90 minutes

Objectives

• Understand the role of animals in ancient Rome.

• Comprehend a fictional account of a criminal pitted against an animal in a public display similar to those that took place in the ancient Roman amphitheaters.

• Discuss this account and students’ reactions to its inconclusive ending.

Instructional Materials Needed

Story: What Animal Is This?

chart

Print Resources:

• Stockton, Frank R. "The Lady or the Tiger?" in Prentice Hall Literature: Gold. New York: Prentice Hall Books. pp. 49—53.

• Corbishley, Mike. The Roman World. New York: Warwick Press, 1986.

• James, Simon. Eyewitness Books: Ancient Rome. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1979. Pp. 24—25, 28—35.

Online Resources:

• Images of the colosseum: Encyclopaedia Britannica Online:

http://www.eb.com (search for colosseum)

Activity

Step 1: After showing the story What Animal Is This?, introduce students to the role of animals in ancient Rome. Animals served many purposes. Some were used in sporting events, others were sacrificed to the gods in religious ceremonies, and many served as symbols for gods or geographic areas. If possible, show some of the images in the James book. Also, distribute the chart.

Step 2: Have students read Stockton's short story, "The Lady or the Tiger?". Explain to students that the story demonstrates the popularity of public games and combat involving animals among ancient Roman people.

Step 3: After students have read the story, encourage them to discuss the conclusion. The inconclusive ending is certain to inspire some discussion about whether the lady or the tiger came out of the chosen door, as well as some criticism of the story and perhaps of the author, who left his work open to interpretation. Encourage the students to support their arguments with evidence from the text.

Step 4: In conclusion, refer back to the factual information presented, especially in James's text on pages 30—33, pointing out differences and similarities between Stockton's text and ancient history.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 1: Read for understanding and fluency.

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 4: Listen and speak in a variety of situations.

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 5: Use the language arts for inquiry and research to acquire, organize, analyze, evaluate, and communicate information.

 

The Place of Animals in Ancient Rome
Sports and Personal Use	Religious or Symbolic Use
lions, tigers • gladiatorial combat • capital punishment horses • contests • races bears, giraffes, elephants • parades • park displays wild boars, fish, fowl • hunting cats, dogs, insects • personal pets	Venus and dove, Jupiter and eagle • association with gods she-wolf • founding of Rome goats, boars, small birds • sacrificial offerings to gods

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