March 10th and 13th

Lesson 2: Human Geography of Northwestern Europe Part 1

Essential Question: What did the Romans do in order to pacify the people of
Northwestern Europe?

Standards

WG-3.3: Explain the cultural, economic, political, and environmental push and pull factors that
contribute to human migration (e.g., residents evacuating from a natural disaster like Hurricane
Katrina).
WG-4.3: Compare the roles that cultural factors such as religious, linguistic, and ethnic
differences play in cooperation and conflict within and among societies.

Objectives

Students should be able to:

Explain how the history of the region was shaped by migrations, trade, and invasion
Explain how location affected the economic, exploration, and expansion activities of the
region before and after the Romans
Describe how the Romans were able to pacify the region
Describe the impact that Rome had on the region
This lesson is designed to help students better understand the origins of
Northwestern Europe. The Romans have left their mark upon society in a multitude
of ways. This region incorporated large tracts of land that the Romans conquered
and kept within their empire for several hundred years. The ideas and institutions
that they left behind are things that people today, in Northwestern Europe and the
world at large, take for granted today.

Activities

1. Notes looking at the Roman acquisition of the region and how they pacified the
region. (Roughly 20-30 minutes) Should add the two short videos,7 and 6 minutes,
into this that shows the battle tactics, armor, and weaponry that were utilized by
the Romans. Whole clips do not have to be played and can be shortened as need
be.
Scene from The Eagle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PKNvIocm9w
Scene from Gladiator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygsa6iO8X9o

2. 22 Minute video on Gaius Julius Caesars invasion of Northwestern Europe (then

Gaul and Britannia) along with a handout of questions to go along with the film.

3. Have students draw on a separate sheet of paper their perceptions of the

differences between the Romans and the local inhabitants of the region.

4. Continue taking notes as we move forward into the Crusades and aim to reach
the Renaissance.
March 10th and 13th

Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire Questionnaire

Directions: As you watch the documentary pay attention to what is being said and
answer the questions as they come up. Your answers should be in COMPLETE
SENTENCES! Be as specific as you can when writing your answers.
1. By 1 B.C.E. what had become just as important as the ballot box in the
Roman Republic to help decide important political issues?

2. What did Julius Caesar want to do for his family? Why?

3. Where does Caesar get his first taste for war? What was he doing there?

4. Why did Caesar want to become a Consul? How did gain the Consulship?

5. What did Caesar expect to find when he entered Gaul? Why did he want it?

6. Who did the Romans meet as they traveled North? What did these people
want?

7. What did the Romans do to block the Helvetii from entering Roman lands?

8. As Caesar chased them, what did the Helvetii do to the legions? How many
barbarian soldiers were there compared to the Romans?
March 10th and 13th

9. What did the Romans do the Helvetii as they began to beat them? Why might
they do this?

10.Who does Caesar orchestrate a war with in order to invade Aeduii lands?
What did he tell the senate?

11.Why does Caesar seek to force the Germans into battle? How could this help
him?

12.After beating Ariovistus, what does Caesar claim that he is to the people of
Gaul? What does he do with Gaul after the battle?

13.How does Caesar notify the people of Rome of his victories? Why would he do
this?

14.How are these successes viewed by conservative leaders in Rome?