THE CITY OF ROME

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6ZtmXxStMY 

B1

Read the sentences below based on the history and geography of Rome. Decide if they are True (T) or False (F).

1. Rome’s location was strategically chosen because the seven hills provided natural protection from invaders. ( )

2. The Roman Republic was established immediately after the city was founded by Romulus. ( )

3. The "Pax Romana" refers to a 200-year period of relative peace and stability across the Empire. ( )

4. Roman engineering was advanced, specifically their use of concrete and the construction of complex aqueducts. ( )

5. The Colosseum was used exclusively for religious ceremonies and government meetings. ( )

6. The decline of the Western Roman Empire was caused by a single event in the year 476 AD. ( )

7. Vatican City, though located inside Rome, functions as an independent city-state. ( )

Exercise 2: Vocabulary – Systems and Structures

Match the B1-level words to their correct synonyms or definitions.

Word	Definition / Synonym
1. Infrastructure	A. A person who holds a high office in government.
2. Magistrate	B. The basic physical and organizational structures (roads, water) needed for a society.
3. Legacy	C. To officially end or stop a system or law.
4. Abolish	D. Something that is handed down from the past or from an ancestor.
5. Prosperity	E. The state of being successful, especially in terms of wealth.

Exercise 3: Grammar – Passive Voice

In historical contexts, we often use the Passive Voice. Rewrite the following sentences from Active to Passive.

1. Active: The Romans built the Pantheon to honor all the gods. Passive: The Pantheon ____________________________________________.

2. Active: Invaders from the north eventually sacked the city in 410 AD. Passive: The city ____________________________________________.

3. Active: Modern engineers still study Roman architectural techniques today. Passive: Roman architectural techniques ____________________________________________.

4. Active: Julius Caesar transformed the Republic into an Empire. Passive: The Republic ____________________________________________.

5. Active: The government provides free water through the ancient fountains. Passive: Free water ____________________________________________.

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Answer Key

Exercise 1: True or False

1. T | 2. F (It was a Monarchy first) | 3. T | 4. T | 5. F (It was for entertainment/gladiators) | 6. F (It was a slow process of many factors) | 7. T

Exercise 2: Vocabulary 1-B | 2-A | 3-D | 4-C | 5-E

Exercise 3: Grammar

1. ...was built to honor all the gods (by the Romans).

2. ...was eventually sacked in 410 AD (by invaders).

3. ...are still studied today (by modern engineers).

4. ...was transformed into an Empire (by Julius Caesar).

5. ...is provided through the ancient fountains (by the government).

A1/A2

Exercise 1: True or False

Watch the video and decide if the following sentences are True (T) or False (F).

1. Rome is the capital city of Italy. ( )

2. The Colosseum was built for modern football matches. ( )

3. The Tiber is the name of the river that flows through Rome. ( )

4. Vatican City is a separate country located inside the city of Rome. ( )

5. Ancient Romans spoke English. ( )

6. The Pantheon has a large hole in its roof called an "oculus." ( )

7. Legend says that Rome was founded by two brothers named Romulus and Remus. ( )

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Exercise 2: Vocabulary – City & History

Match the words on the left with their definitions on the right.

Word	Definition
1. Ruins	A. a large, tall stone structure used for religious worship.
2. Empire	B. the remains of old buildings that have been destroyed.
3. Gladiator	C. a group of countries or states ruled by a single person.
4. Temple	D. a circular or oval building used for public events.
5. Amphitheater	E. a person in ancient Rome who fought for public entertainment.

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Exercise 3: Grammar – Past Simple (Regular & Irregular)

Fill in the blanks using the Past Simple form of the verbs in brackets.

1. The Romans ________ (build) the Colosseum almost 2,000 years ago.

2. Millions of people ________ (live) in the Roman Empire.

3. The city ________ (become) the center of the Mediterranean world.

4. Romulus ________ (kill) his brother Remus in the story of Rome's origin.

5. In the past, people ________ (go) to the Forum to talk about politics.

6. Last year, I ________ (visit) the ruins of the Roman Forum.

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Answer Key

Exercise 1: True or False

1. T | 2. F | 3. T | 4. T | 5. F | 6. T | 7. T

Exercise 2: Vocabulary

1-B | 2-C | 3-E | 4-A | 5-D

Exercise 3: Grammar

1. built | 2. lived | 3. became | 4. killed | 5. went | 6. visited