Ancient Civilizations Critical Thinking
🏛️ Part 1: Comparing Ancient and Modern Governments
1. Compare the Roman Republic's government system with New Zealand's government today. What similarities and differences can you identify?
2. Ancient Greek democracy was different from modern democracy. Which of the following groups could participate in Athenian democracy? (Check all that apply)
Male citizens over 18
Women
Slaves
Foreign residents (metics)
3. How is New Zealand's democracy more inclusive than Ancient Greek democracy? Explain your thinking.
👑 Part 2: Analysing Key Historical Figures
4. Match each historical figure with their most significant contribution:
1. Julius Caesar
2. Socrates
3. Augustus
4. Alexander the Great
A. First Roman Emperor
B. Spread Greek culture across vast empire
C. Developed questioning method for learning
D. Crossed the Rubicon and ended the Republic
5. If Julius Caesar had not been assassinated, how might Roman history have been different? Use evidence to support your prediction.
6. Socrates believed that "the unexamined life is not worth living." What do you think this means, and how might this philosophy be relevant today?
🏺 Part 3: Daily Life Scenarios
7. You are a plebeian (common citizen) in Ancient Rome. Your family needs money, but there are few job opportunities. What challenges might you face, and what options would be available to you?
8. Compare the daily life of a woman in Ancient Athens versus a woman in Ancient Sparta. Which society offered more opportunities for women? Circle your choice and explain why.
Athens
Sparta
Both were equal
9. Imagine you are a slave in Ancient Greece. Describe three aspects of your daily life and explain how this would differ from the life of a free citizen.
🌍 Part 4: Legacy and Modern Connections
10. Fill in the blanks about the lasting influence of ancient civilisations:
Many English words come from _________ and _________ languages. Our legal system is influenced by _________ law. The concept of _________ originated in Ancient Greece. Modern _________ architecture often copies Greek and Roman styles.
11. Which ancient civilisation do you think has had the greater impact on modern New Zealand society? Provide three specific examples to support your argument.
Ancient Rome
Ancient Greece
12. The Olympic Games began in Ancient Greece. How have they changed since ancient times, and what values do they still represent today?
💭 Part 5: Critical Thinking and Discussion
13. Both Ancient Rome and Greece had slavery. How should we view these civilisations knowing they had practices we consider wrong today? Explain your thinking.
14. If you could bring one idea or innovation from Ancient Rome or Greece into modern New Zealand, what would it be and why?
15. Group Discussion Starter: "Ancient civilisations were more advanced than we give them credit for." Do you agree or disagree? Prepare three points for class discussion.
🎯 Part 6: Reflection and Synthesis
16. What is one lesson that modern New Zealand could learn from studying Ancient Rome and Greece? Consider both positive and negative examples.
17. Create a question about ancient civilisations that you would like to research further:
18. On a scale of 1-5, how important do you think it is for Year 7-8 students to learn about ancient civilisations? Circle your answer and explain why.
1 (Not important) - 2 (Slightly important) - 3 (Moderately important) - 4 (Very important) - 5 (Extremely important)