Activity Overview
In an era when entertainment was usually through various forms of performance and theater, stories had amazing power. Caesar Augustus made great strides during the Golden Age of Rome to beautify and enrich the city of Rome, as well as to cement Roman power and authority. Stories such as that of Romulus and Remus helped to solidify Rome’s connections with powerful divinities and mythical origins.
In this activity, students compare events in the story to historical events or to effects on public opinion. Also check out Propaganda for additional background.
Other possible comparisons include:
- As babies, they were helped by the wolf and woodpecker. Two animals sacred to Mars, protected the founder(s) of Rome; therefore Mars protects Rome.
- Romulus and Remus are direct descendants of Aeneas who broke the heart of Dido, Queen of Carthage. Rome had a long war with Carthage.
- Romulus killed Remus after he jumped over his brother’s wall. Rome experienced political strife and many betrayals, such as the assassination of Julius Caesar.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing the events in the story of Romulus and Remus to historical events or it's impact on public opinion.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- In one column, identify events that occur in the story.
- In the other, identify either the corresponding historical event or propaganda.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In an era when entertainment was usually through various forms of performance and theater, stories had amazing power. Caesar Augustus made great strides during the Golden Age of Rome to beautify and enrich the city of Rome, as well as to cement Roman power and authority. Stories such as that of Romulus and Remus helped to solidify Rome’s connections with powerful divinities and mythical origins.
In this activity, students compare events in the story to historical events or to effects on public opinion. Also check out Propaganda for additional background.
Other possible comparisons include:
- As babies, they were helped by the wolf and woodpecker. Two animals sacred to Mars, protected the founder(s) of Rome; therefore Mars protects Rome.
- Romulus and Remus are direct descendants of Aeneas who broke the heart of Dido, Queen of Carthage. Rome had a long war with Carthage.
- Romulus killed Remus after he jumped over his brother’s wall. Rome experienced political strife and many betrayals, such as the assassination of Julius Caesar.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing the events in the story of Romulus and Remus to historical events or it's impact on public opinion.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- In one column, identify events that occur in the story.
- In the other, identify either the corresponding historical event or propaganda.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about The Myth\'s Impact on Rome
Engage students with a creative classroom retelling of the Romulus and Remus myth
Capture student interest by inviting them to rewrite or perform the Romulus and Remus myth in their own words. This encourages deeper understanding and connects mythology to student expression.
Divide students into small groups for brainstorming
Promote collaboration by having students work in groups to outline key events and characters. Group work sparks discussion and helps students organize their ideas before retelling.
Assign creative formats like skits, comic strips, or news reports
Offer choices such as performing a skit, drawing a comic, or writing a news report about the myth. Multiple formats allow students to use their strengths and keep the activity engaging.
Guide students to connect myth events to real Roman history in their retelling
Encourage critical thinking by having students include parallels to Roman history, like referencing Augustus or the founding of Rome. This deepens understanding of myth’s impact on culture and society.
Facilitate student presentations and peer feedback
Build confidence by allowing students to share their retellings and receive positive, constructive feedback. Presentations reinforce learning and celebrate student creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Myth\'s Impact on Rome
How did the myth of Romulus and Remus influence ancient Rome?
The myth of Romulus and Remus reinforced Rome's divine origins, connecting the city with powerful gods like Mars and legitimizing its authority. This story shaped public opinion by promoting unity, justifying leadership, and inspiring pride in Roman heritage.
What are some historical parallels to the story of Romulus and Remus?
Events in the Romulus and Remus myth mirror real Roman history, such as political betrayals like Julius Caesar's assassination and the city's conflicts with Carthage. These parallels helped Romans find meaning and lessons in their own past.
How can students compare the myth of Romulus and Remus to real historical events?
Students can use a T-Chart to list events from the myth alongside similar historical events or examples of propaganda, then illustrate each to visualize the connections between legend and reality in ancient Rome.
What is a T-Chart and how is it used in this lesson?
A T-Chart is a graphic organizer with two columns. In this lesson, one side shows events from the Romulus and Remus myth, while the other side lists corresponding historical events or instances of propaganda, helping students compare and analyze both.
Why did Romans use myths like Romulus and Remus as propaganda?
Romans used myths such as Romulus and Remus as propaganda to strengthen national identity, justify political power, and claim divine favor. These stories helped leaders unite citizens and legitimize their rule.
More Storyboard That Activities
Romulus and Remus
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
