Ancient Romans

What have we gotten from the Ancient Romans:  Not much, just:

• Our early “Rule of Law”
• Our form of government
• The modern calendar
• Modern road systems
• Medicine and health care
• The first standing, professional army
• A united language
• Inventing of concrete, modern buildings, sewers, aqueducts, building cranes, and a host more

The Ancient Romans can teach us a great deal.  For starters, the Roman Empire lasted for roughly 2200 years!  From its founding in 700 BC to the final collapse at Constantinople in 1453 AD, the Ancient Romans created a way of life that has profoundly influenced the formation of our government and how we live our lives.  No one brings Ancient Rome alive quite like Deks.  Dressed as a Roman Centurion, he demonstrates how the Romans built their cities, grew their food, waged their wars, created their government and enjoyed their lives.  Original artifacts abound and are passed around. Watch how students eagerly volunteer to be dressed in togas, tunics, dresses and military armor and parade in front. 

• How did we get the modern calendar?  Did you know that until the time of Julius Caesar the calendar only had 355 days?  To correct the calendar, Caesar declared that the year 44 BC should have 15 months in it!
• Or that until the Romans brought hygiene and sanitation to the cities. Most people usually never bathed or changed their clothes?  Yuck!!
• Cities were made of cut stone or wood before the Romans invented concrete and created huge cities with magnificent arched domes and vaulted ceilings.
• Bathing became the norm in the Roman era with huge complexes for public use.
• Chariot racing and gladiatorial contests were regular forms of entertainment, but so were plays, musical performances and reading.
• How long does the average road in the US last?  Three years?  Less?  Did you know that over 40,000 miles of roadsbuilt by the Ancient Romans are still in use today!!!
• Slavery was common in the ancient world.  But, the Romans were the only society that elevated many slaves to high office and freed thousands who became regular members of society.  As well, the Romans had no prejudice for race or religion.  They were a class oriented society.

"This program is truly fun for all ages. I love to take them outside for a good 'battle' with tennis ball tipped spears and felt swords. The kids to the right are members of a local Cub Scout Pack. They had a blast learning about the Romans and getting to throw their spears at the 'old man'." - Deks on the Ancient Romans