Slavery in Ancient Rome: Roles, Rights, and Rebellion – Reading Comprehension Worksheet with Primary Source

Dive into the complex and often brutal world of slavery in Ancient Rome with this detailed reading comprehension worksheet. Students will explore the roles of slaves in Roman society, their harsh living conditions, and their place in the empire’s economic structure. This resource also examines notable events like the Spartacus rebellion, offering students an engaging look into the lives of those who resisted their fate.

This worksheet includes:

• Comprehensive Reading Passage: Covers the various roles of Roman slaves, their living conditions, and the impact of slavery on Roman society, as well as a focused section on the Spartacus rebellion.
• Primary Source Analysis: A passage from the historian Plutarch on Spartacus’ leadership and the challenges he faced.
• Multiple-Format Questions: Includes multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions that encourage critical thinking and comprehension.
• Answer Key: Complete answer key provided for easy grading and assessment.
• Flexible Use: Ideal for deeper learning, classroom discussion, homework assignments, or as a sub plan.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will analyze the role of slavery in Ancient Rome and understand the social and economic impact it had on the empire.
• Students will explore the Spartacus rebellion, evaluating its causes and consequences within the context of Roman history.
• Students will engage with primary source material to deepen their understanding of historical perspectives on slavery and resistance in Ancient Rome.

Recommended Common Core Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source and summarize them accurately.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.9: Integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary, into a cohesive understanding of an event or concept.
• 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 offers a well-rounded educational experience, combining reading comprehension with analysis of primary sources. It’s a great resource for teachers looking to enhance their lessons on Ancient Rome, with the added benefit of being versatile enough for sub plans or deeper learning opportunities.

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