Central Italy – Rome to Naples
A highlight of our travels through Italy was connecting with ancient Roman history. We visited the incredible Roman ruins of Pompeii and Ercolano at the base of Mount Vesuvius near Naples, and the Colosseum and Forum in Rome. Walking through the ancient streets, exploring homes with mosaic floors and painted walls, imagining the baths, markets and theater of the time, linked us to the history of this important era. We developed a deep appreciation of the challenges and work of historians, archeologists and scientists piecing together the past to tell amazing stories for us today.
Conversation starters
- Describe the geographical spread of the Roman Empire at its peak.
- What different cultures came together in the Roman Empire because of its dominance of the Mediterranean?
- What lead to the “fall” or divide of the Roman Empire and what were its greatest contributions to developing civilization?
Links and Resources
The Riddle of Pompeii – Timeline documentary
Secrets of the Colosseum in Rome – National Geographic documentary
