These ancient Rome project ideas are a great way to entertain and educate your kids while giving them a love for history.
Ancient Rome is a fascinating era for kids. What began as a small village in the 8th century BC would go on to become one of the most powerful civilisations in our history.
Kids learn about Ancient Rome in the seventh Mysteries in Time adventure box, where they discover the wonders of chariot racing, Roman baths and emperors. But if your child wants to delve further into the world of Ancient Rome, we have some incredible project ideas they will love. Crack open your arts and crafts cupboard — we’ve got some work to do.
Related: Ancient China Project Ideas for Kids
1. Create Your Own Ancient Roman Costume
Ancient Roman clothing is certainly distinctive, and it’ll be something your kids will have a lot of fun imitating! So, work with your kids to create their own Roman helmets, laurel wreaths, greaves, togas, swords and shields. Intersperse the fun and creativity with facts about ancient Rome. For example, did you know Roman soldiers were put through rigorous training to keep fit, including marching for 20 miles a day in heavy armour? This armour made of metal scales of bronze or iron, including an inner leather undergarment.
If you want some inspiration, here is a great instructional article on how to make your own Roman toga, and one on how to make a laurel wreath.
2. Design an Ancient Roman Mosaic
Ancient Rome is famous for its incredible mosaics. They were made throughout the Roman period, in private and public buildings. Mosaics often captured scenes of history and everyday life.
Share examples of Roman mosaics with your kids and then get started on creating your own! Simply follow the steps below:
- Ask your child to decide what type of mosaic they want to create.
- Get your child to either draw out the scene or find a picture they like online — you can then print out the image for them to decorate.
- Find a material you like — whether its coloured paper cut into small squares, pieces of felt or beans, and glue them to your image to create your mosaic.
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3. Bake Ancient Roman Honey Cake
The Romans loved honey. For the ancient Romans, honey symbolised love, beauty and fertility. Honey was used by the Romans in their cosmetics, for healing and, of course, in their food. According to the ancient Roman cookbook by Apicius, honey cakes were popular back then and often offered to the gods.
Why not head to the kitchen and try to make your own Roman honey cakes? Here is a simple recipe with only seven ingredients and your kids will love the results.
4. Write a Top 5 List of Your Favourite Roman Inventions
So many things were invented in ancient Rome, including aqueducts, sewers and sanitation, roads, newspapers, Roman numerals — we owe a lot to the ancient Romans!
Sit down with your kids and ask them to list out their top five favourite Roman inventions, along with reasons why the world has changed and advanced as a result of these inventions.
5. Build a Cardboard Roman Amphitheatre
The Colosseum is an amphitheatre, begun in around 70 AD. It was used mainly for gladiator fights and could hold at least 50,000 spectators. If you have some time to spare and you’re looking for a creative outlet, why not try your hand at making your own cardboard Roman amphitheatre?
Instructions on how to create your cardboard amphitheatre. It may look overwhelming to start, but the process is fairly straightforward and you’ll be rewarded with an intricate, beautiful model you can keep around for years!
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