Easter vacation is here!

Although it doesn't look too good for Caesar in this picture (he's about to be stabbed to death in the Senate), we have a nice break coming our way. Here are some notes for the next eleven days.

By popular demand, I have posted my recording of Rome (by Chi Cago) to the left. Feel free to play it any time you need a laugh, if you want to "study" ancient Rome, or if you're having a dance party over the break and you need some fly beats.

I promised no homework over the break. However, on April 14 (our third day back) there will be an assignment due. So, IF you would like to get a jump on this over the break, feel free.

The assignment: Combine your class notes with the notes I have supplied, and make a Prezi or a PowerPoint on the life of Julius Caesar. It's worth 20 points. My notes can be found at the left (or by clicking here), and the Prezi website can be found here. (In my opinion, Prezi is much more fun. With this much time off, it's a good opportunity to take your time and learn how to make a Prezi. Impress your other teachers with your awesome skills.) This is due Wednesday, April 14. We come back to school April 12.

Since we don't have class over the break, you don't need to post to your blog over the break.

I hope you have an incredible vacation that allows you to rest, enjoy some beautiful weather, hang out with your friends and family, and come back rejuvenated. Happy Easter!

more Caesar

Today we watched most of the BBC episode on Julius Caesar. We will finish up tomorrow. Keep in mind that you can watch this anytime (except for Part 3 and Part 6, which are unavailable).

I have also posted some notes, called The Life and Times of Julius Caesar, which can be found to the left. Feel free to use these with your own notes. These notes include the Battle at Alesia in 52 BC, where Caesar defeated Vercingetorix, which is the picture on the right. (Nice mustache, Vercingetorix!)

Julius Caesar

Section 03 started on the Julius Caesar portion of the BBC video series. Sections 01 and 05 begin watching tomorrow. You can click on the link to the left to watch it yourself.

Please note that two of the six chapters are missing.

Reminder: your opinion paper on Tiberius Gracchus must be posted to your blog before 8:00 am tomorrow.

Late penalties will be assessed if it not posted by then.

writing assignment

Tiberius Gracchus was a defender of the rights of Rome's plebeians. Yet, even after becoming tribune of the people, he had great difficulty achieving his goals. If you could give Tiberius Gracchus some advice, what would you tell him?

Many Romans were talented speakers, and they were very good at leading others. In a formal paper of 400-500 words, persuade Tiberius Gracchus to follow your lead. Or, you may choose to defend his actions if you think he had the most effective plan.

A strong paper will show your understanding of the conflicts between plebeians and patricians, the political structure of the republic, and the relationship between Tiberius and the Senators.

Post your essay to your blog before 8:00 AM, Tuesday, March 30. It's worth 100 points.

Just grab some land!

All three sections should finish Revolution,
part of the BBC series Rise and Fall of an Empire,
in class Friday.

If you missed class and did not see
part of this video,
it is available on YouTube.
The link is on the left.
It is in six 10-minute parts.

There will be a writing assignment related to this video for you to do over the weekend.
Details will be posted tomorrow.

BBC - Rome / Revolution

All three classes are watching the BBC docudrama on the rise and fall of Rome, and taking notes as we watch.

Keep in mind that since the series is available on YouTube, and the link is listed on this blog, you can review this material at home. You can even activate the CC button, and you will be able to follow along even better by using closed captioning.

Here is how far each section has gone so far.

Section 01: beginning of part 3.

Section 03: 5:00 into part 5.

Section 05: just finished part 2.

Don't forget to post your notes after every class.

Here is Tiberius Gracchus

as portrayed in the movie,

and as carved by the ancient Romans.

let it rain...

Section 03 began watching BBC/Rome today - good stuff!

Sections 01 and 05 heard and discussed
"Rome" by Chi Cago
(lyrics posted under
"Researching History" to the left).

01 and 05 can make flashcards on
the terms we covered in class today:

Romulus & Remus
Etruscans
Tiber River
Tarquin the Proud
tyrant (original meaning)/tyranny
patrician
plebeian
consul

republic