The Romans and Religion - Worksheet
History Resource Description
In this educational resource designed to explore the religious landscape of ancient Rome, students are presented with a worksheet that delves into the pantheon of Roman deities and the transformation of religious beliefs over time. The worksheet begins with a 'Who’s who' section where students are tasked with matching the names of Roman gods to their correct definitions, although some initial pairings like Neptune as the God of War and Mercury as the God of the Sea are incorrect and need rectifying. The gods listed include Neptune, Mercury, Mars, Minerva, and Venus, each traditionally associated with different aspects of Roman mythology and life.
The worksheet also includes a 'Check your understanding' section featuring a series of questions that encourage students to recall the names of Roman gods, explore the ways in which Romans sought to appease these deities, and consider the treatment of emperors after 14 AD. It prompts discussion on the emergence of Christianity, its differences from traditional Roman religion, the persecution Christians faced, and the significant role of the Emperor in AD 324. Additionally, the worksheet asks why Christianity gained popularity and what significant event occurred in AD 391. To further enhance comprehension, a timeline activity titled 'Before and After' is provided, illustrating the evolution of religious beliefs from the era of ancient Roman gods to the rise of Christianity.