Archaeological
discovery in
the ruins of
Pompeii.
Pompeii (Italy).
Archaeologists are calling it the discovery of the century following the
announcement of excavation findings in a previously untouched area of the famous
Roman era city.
The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed following the pyroclastic
volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The eruption and its ash cloud
covered both cities, which were popular holiday towns for wealthy Romans, with a
thick layer of ash that has preserved the cities at the time of the eruption.
Archaeologists have excavated a portion of the town of Pompeii that is a perfectly
preserved example of a Roman boarding school. Imprints of the students were
found surrounded by their personal effects. One student in particular seems to have
chronicled his journey through his time at Roman school through a scrapbook.
Archaeologists are excited about the possibility of reading, through a first person
narrative, pictures, and personal items, the day-to-day experiences that a young
Roman would have faced and experienced at school. What, the archaeological
community wonders, does this student’s scrapbook look like?
Name: _____________________________________
Date: _______________
Education in Ancient Rome
Following the discovery of a series of scrapbooks found at an Ancient Roman
boarding school in the ancient city of Pompeii please research and create what you
think a student’s scrapbook from 79 AD would look like. Include all the things that
you think would be included in a student’s scrapbook from a year away at school.
Keep in mind:



What activities does the student do?
What clubs does the student belong to?
Who are the student’s friends and family?
You must include in the scrapbook the following 5 academic elements:
 A maths assignment.
 A history assignment. (Careful! History for them. The year is 79 AD. What
types of things would they be learning about?)
 A religion class assignment.
 A Latin exercise.
 An art assignment.
You must also include the following about the student and where the student lives.
 A representation and explanation of local infrastructure.
 What kind of entertainment does the student like and where do they go to
enjoy it?
 Where in the Roman Empire is the student from? How is it similar or
different from Pompeii?
 Don’t forget to describe the student’s personality.
o What do they like to do?
o What are their interests?
o Who are their friends?
o Do they have any family members at school?
o Did they get homesick away from home?
N.B: A citation page indicating where you found your information and images on
Ancient Roman society must be included. Students found to have plagiarized
intentionally or unintentionally will be given an automatic mark of 0. Students who
allow themselves to be copied from will also receive a mark of 0.
Due date: 25th March, 2015.