Nero: The Infamous Emperor and the Great Fire of Rome - Reading Comprehension Worksheet with Primary Source

Help your students explore the controversial reign of Nero, one of Rome's most infamous emperors, with this comprehensive reading comprehension worksheet. From his rise to power and the influence of his mother, Agrippina, to the devastation of the Great Fire of Rome and his brutal persecution of Christians, students will gain a well-rounded understanding of Nero’s rule and his lasting legacy. This resource also includes a primary source excerpt from the Roman historian Tacitus, detailing Nero’s response to the fire and his persecution of Christians, giving students a chance to analyze historical perspectives.

This worksheet includes:

• Comprehensive Reading Passage: A detailed exploration of Nero’s life, his role during the Great Fire of Rome, and the persecution of Christians.
• Primary Source Analysis: An excerpt from Tacitus, offering a firsthand look at Nero’s persecution of early Christians.
• Multiple-Format Questions: Multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions that encourage comprehension and critical thinking.
• Answer Key: A full answer key for quick and easy grading.
• Flexible Use: Great for deeper learning, class discussions, homework, or sub plans.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will examine the reign of Nero and understand the causes and impact of the Great Fire of Rome.
• Students will analyze primary source material to gain insight into Nero’s persecution of Christians and its impact on his legacy.
• Students will explore how Nero’s leadership evolved over time and what factors contributed to his downfall.

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 great tool for encouraging critical thinking and historical analysis. Its mix of questions and primary source analysis makes it ideal for deeper learning, whether for classroom use or as part of a sub plan.

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