Roman Emperors: Leadership Styles & Political Influence - Reading Comprehension Worksheet with Primary Source

Bring the fascinating and complex world of Roman emperors into your classroom with this engaging reading comprehension worksheet. This resource explores the leadership styles and political impact of key emperors like Augustus, Tiberius, and Nero. From Augustus' careful political maneuvering to Nero's infamous reign and the Great Fire of Rome, students will gain a deep understanding of how each emperor shaped the Roman Empire. The worksheet also includes a primary source excerpt from Tacitus, providing a firsthand account of Nero’s handling of the Great Fire and his persecution of Christians.

This worksheet includes:

• Comprehensive Reading Passage: A detailed exploration of the leadership styles of Augustus, Tiberius, and Nero, highlighting their accomplishments, controversies, and lasting impact on Rome.
• Primary Source Analysis: An excerpt from Tacitus, giving students a chance to analyze historical perspectives on Nero’s actions.
• Multiple-Format Questions: Multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions that challenge students to think critically and reflect on the material.
• Answer Key: A complete answer key for easy grading.
• Flexible Use: Perfect for deeper learning, class discussions, homework, or sub plans.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will examine the leadership styles and political influence of Roman emperors, including Augustus, Tiberius, and Nero.
• Students will analyze a primary source to gain insight into the historical perspectives on Nero’s reign and the Great Fire of Rome.
• Students will explore how different leadership approaches influenced the stability and eventual decline of the Roman Empire.

Recommended Common Core Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas of a primary or secondary source and summarize how key events unfold.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.9: Integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary, into a cohesive understanding of an event.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-12.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Perfect For:

• World History
• Ancient History
• Social Studies classes for grades 9-12.

This worksheet is a fantastic tool for encouraging critical thinking and historical analysis. The blend of comprehension questions, primary source material, and thoughtful reflection makes it ideal for deeper learning, whether as part of a classroom activity or a sub plan.

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