Roman Engineering: Roads, Aqueducts, and Architecture - Reading Comprehension Worksheet with Primary Source

Immerse your students in the incredible engineering feats of Ancient Rome with this engaging reading comprehension worksheet. From their vast road networks and sophisticated aqueduct systems to their groundbreaking architectural designs like the Colosseum and Pantheon, Roman innovations continue to shape modern infrastructure. This resource offers students a deep dive into Roman engineering, exploring how their advancements in roads, aqueducts, and architecture helped to expand and maintain the Roman Empire.

This worksheet includes:

• Comprehensive Reading Passage: A detailed exploration of Roman roads, aqueducts, and architecture, highlighting how these innovations contributed to the empire's prosperity and longevity.
• Primary Source Analysis: An excerpt from Julius Frontinus, providing students with a firsthand look at how Romans viewed their aqueducts and public infrastructure.
• Multiple-Format Questions: Multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions that challenge students to think critically and reflect on Roman engineering.
• Answer Key: A complete answer key for easy grading.
• Flexible Use: Ideal for deeper learning, class discussions, homework assignments, or as part of a sub plan.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will explore the significance of Roman roads, aqueducts, and architectural innovations and their lasting impact on modern infrastructure.
• Students will analyze a primary source to understand Roman attitudes toward public works and engineering achievements.
• Students will examine how Roman engineering contributed to the empire’s expansion, stability, and everyday life.

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 an excellent tool for encouraging critical thinking and historical analysis. It blends comprehension questions with primary source analysis, making it ideal for students who are ready to delve deeper into the achievements of Ancient Rome. Whether used in the classroom or as part of a sub plan, this resource will enhance your students’ understanding of one of the ancient world’s greatest empires.

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