Roman Roads and Infrastructure: Building an Empire – Reading Comprehension Worksheet with Primary Source

Help your students explore the incredible engineering feats of the Roman Empire with this in-depth reading comprehension worksheet focused on Roman Roads and Infrastructure. This resource takes a close look at how the Roman road system, aqueducts, and other monumental projects contributed to the unification, control, and prosperity of the empire. From the famous Via Appia to the Pont du Gard, students will gain a deeper understanding of how these structures supported trade, communication, and military power.

This worksheet includes:

• Comprehensive Reading Passage: A detailed look at Roman road construction, aqueducts, bridges, and other public works that transformed the empire and laid the foundation for modern infrastructure.
• Primary Source Analysis: A selection from Vitruvius, a Roman architect, discussing the careful planning and engineering that went into Roman road construction.
• Multiple-Format Questions: Multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions that encourage students to think critically about how Roman infrastructure contributed to the empire's success.
• Answer Key: A complete answer key for easy grading and review.
• Flexible Use: Ideal for in-depth learning, class discussions, homework, or a perfect sub plan.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will examine how Roman roads and infrastructure were crucial to the political and economic stability of the Roman Empire.
• Students will analyze the role of Roman engineers and how their innovations influenced modern infrastructure.
• Students will explore the cultural and practical impacts of Roman public works, including aqueducts, roads, and bridges.

Recommended Common Core Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas of a primary or secondary source and summarize the key details.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.9: Integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary, into a cohesive understanding of historical events.
• 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 powerful tool for promoting deeper learning and helping students understand the connection between engineering, governance, and culture in Ancient Rome. Its well-rounded mix of questions and primary source analysis makes it versatile for various classroom settings.

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