KS2 History: The Romans. 6: Growing up in Ancient Rome

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Exploring what life was like for Felix and Augusta - two children growing up in Ancient Rome.

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6. Growing up in Ancient Rome

Julia introduces a narrative episode about two children growing up in Ancient Rome.

Felix and Augusta are brother and sister in a middle-class family. It is early morning and Felix is getting ready to go to see the grammaticus - his teacher - while Augusta has been weaving.

Felix and Augusta leave the house, accompanied by the family's slave called Gallio. On the way to the market they pass an insulae - like a block of flats - the type of accommodation available to most ordinary Romans. Augusta says it is unfair that Felix can go to school whereas she cannot and Felix retorts that the family cannot afford to send them both to school.

The two children describe the sorts of games they enjoy playing and the sorts of occupations they hope to have when they grow up.

At the market they are going to buy a variety a variety of produce, including garum - a popular Roman condiment made from fermented fish guts. At the thermopolia - a fast-food stall - they order dormice, which were a popular Roman snack.

They meet Maximus and when Felix is called by the grammaticus Gallio leaves Maximus and Augusta together to get acquainted…much to Augusta's displeasure.

Duration: 3' 36"

Final words: '…that's a pretty name.' / 'Arghh!'

Video questions

What are the names of the two main children in the story? (Augusta and Felix)
Why are both girls in the family called Augusta? (Both are named after their father Augustus, according to Roman convention, and are distinguished by 'Major' and 'Minor')
Why might living on the top floor of an insulae be difficult? (A long way to carry water; crowded; dangerous in the event of a fire)
Who goes to the market with Augusta and Felix? (Gallio - the family's slave)
What does Augusta say she wants to do when she is older? (Join the senate - but because she is female she will not be allowed to)
What is garum? (A type of sauce made from fermented fish guts, that the Romans used a bit like we use ketchup)
What is the thermopolia? (A sort of Roman fast-food stall)
What does the stall-holder offer the children to eat? (figs, sea urchins and dormice - a popular Roman delicacy)
Who do the children meet at the market? (Maximus - a friend of Felix)

This film is relevant for teaching History within the National Curriculum at KS2 in England and Northern Ireland and equivalent levels in Scotland and Wales.

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