A Day in Ancient Rome
A Day in Ancient Rome
Characters:
- Marcus: A young Roman boy.
- Titus: Marcus’s father.
(Scene: The courtyard of Marcus's home in Ancient Rome. Morning light. Marcus is getting ready for the day.)
Marcus: Father, are we going to the Forum today?
Titus: (Smiling) Yes, Marcus. But first, you must finish your breakfast. Some bread and olives will give you strength for the day.
Marcus: (Eating quickly) I am ready now! I want to see the senators and hear the speeches.
Titus: Patience, young one. The Forum is busy, but we must also visit the baths. Cleanliness is important, even for future senators.
Marcus: (Grumbling playfully) But the baths take so long! All that scrubbing and steaming.
Titus: It's part of Roman life, Marcus. Besides, you can meet your friends there. After the baths, we will go to the market. Your mother needs fresh fish and some grapes.
Marcus: (Excitedly) Will we see the gladiators training near the market?
Titus: Perhaps. If we have time. Remember, your mother also wants us to visit the temple. We must give thanks to the gods for our good fortune.
Marcus: (Nodding) Of course, Father. The gods are important.
- Forum:
- A public square in ancient Rome, used for meetings, speeches, and markets.
- Senator:
- A member of the Roman Senate, a powerful council that helped govern Rome.
- Gladiator:
- A person who fought in public shows in ancient Rome.
- Orator:
- A skilled public speaker.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Where are Marcus and Titus going first after breakfast?
- 2Why does Titus think visiting the baths is important?
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About this reader's theater passage for Upper Elementary
“A Day in Ancient Rome” is a reader's theater reading passage about Ancient Rome, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (256 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.