| Instructions: Vocabulary: Define the listed terms and describe how or
why they are significant to the episode. You may have to use outside sources.
Discussion: Write a paragraph or a short paper to explain the requested
information. Why is this important to the history involved in this episode?
Episode 1 A
Touch of Murder
or, go to the Episode 1 Outline
Vocabulary
| 1. Actium |
4. Rhine Frontier (Germany) |
| 2. the Games |
5. S.P.Q.R. (Senatus Populusque Romanus)
|
| 3. Roman Republic |
6. Sibyl |
Discussion
Explain the relationship and source of conflict (if any) between the following
characters:
- Augustus and Livia
- Augustus and Marcellus
- Augustus and Marcus Agrippa
- Marcellus and Marcus Agrippa
- Livia and Tiberius
|
Marcellus with his mother, Octavia. |
Episode 2 Family
Affairs
or, go to the Episode 2 Outline
Vocabulary
| 1. Britain |
3. Roman baths |
| 2. Legion |
4. gangrene |
Discussion
Personality and character play a large role in this story. Write a paragraph to the
describe personal attributes of the following people.
- Tiberius
- Drusus
- Antonia
- Julia
|
Augustus with Drusus. |
Episode 3 Waiting
in the Wings
or, go to the Episode 3 Outline
Vocabulary
| 1. banished |
3. Rhodes |
| 2. horoscope |
4. Romulus |
Discussion
The Romans were polytheistic (believed in multiple Gods). Research the religion
of Rome at the time of the Julian Emperors and make a list of six of the principle Gods.
Describe their major characteristics and role.
The Romans were also believers in astrology, signs and superstitions. Describe two ways
that this was depicted in this episode.
Episode 4 What
shall we do about Claudius?
or, go to the Episode 4 Outline
Vocabulary
Discussion
The Roman games were lavish productions to entertain and preoccupy the populace.
Research the way the games were conducted and write a short (one page typed) paper to
describe them.
Episode 5 Poison is
Queen
or, go to the Episode 5 Outline
Vocabulary
| 1. premonition |
2. Corsica |
Discussion
Augustus died thinking he was a failure. From the events seen so far in this miniseries
and the tragedies that befell his family, he had a right to think so. Yet, he founded one
of the soundest governments and the greatest era of peace and prosperity known in history
(Pax Romana). What was Pax Romana?
Episode 6 Some
Justice
or, go to the Episode 6 Outline
Vocabulary
- treason
- Imperial Seal
- 'an honorable suicide'
- talisman
|
Piso prepares to do himself in. |
Discussion
Germanicus' is returned to Rome in an urn. How did the Romans treat their dead? What
did they think happened to them after death?
Episode 7 Queen of
Heaven
or, go to the Episode 7 Outline
Vocabulary
| 1. coin for the ferryman |
2. Sibylline Verses |
Discussion
Tiberius is presented in this episode (and the following one too) as a bad person.
Research the condition of the Roman Empire during his rule. What kind of ruler was he
really?
Episode 8 Reign of
Terror
or, go to the Episode 8 Outline
Vocabulary
| 1. Capri |
2. Praetorian Guard |
| 3. "put on his manly gown" |
4. scribes |
Discussion
Sejanus ruled Rome in Tiberius' name for eight years. How could this
happen? Why didn't the Senate do something about it?
|
Sejanus 'cons' Claudius. |
Episode 9 Zeus, by
Jove
or, go to the Episode 9 Outline
Vocabulary
| 1. Jove |
2. metamorphosis |
| 3. consul |
4. Mount Olympus |
Discussion
Caligula is obviously mad. He has monstrous migraine headaches and
pretends to be epileptic. Why would he fake epileptic seizures? Why didn't they kill him
right away?
|
"Is this your own hair?" |
Episode 10 Hail
Who?
or, go to the Episode 10 Outline
Vocabulary
| 1. Neptune |
2. watchword |
| 3. Incatatus |
4. Triumph |
Discussion
Tiberius was a careful administrator who left the Treasury bulging. (In reality, more
than 4 billion dollars today). Caligula spent it in less than three years. Research
Caligula's reign. How did he spend it? How did he raise revenues?
Episode 11 Fool's
Luck
or, go to the Episode 11 Outline
Vocabulary
| 1. fait accompli |
2. Ostia |
Discussion
| The improvements to Ostia give us an idea of Claudius' administration.
Research Claudius' reign. What other public works did he build? What is your evaluation
of 'Poor old Uncle Claudius' as Emperor? |
Claudius with the engineer. |
Episode 12 A God in
Colchester
or, go to the Episode 12 Outline
Vocabulary
| 1. guild |
2. messiah |
| 3. amphitheater |
4. warrant |
Discussion
In this episode, Messalina makes a serious bid for power. In one scene,
she says she wants to be to Claudius as Livia was to Augustus. Compare Messalina to Livia.
|
Messalina is offered the dagger. |
Episode 13 Old King
Log
or, go to the Episode 13 Outline
Vocabulary
| 1. lyre |
3. loathsome |
| 2. pacified |
4. adoption |
Discussion
Nero is portrayed as a wimp in this episode. Claudius predicts that he will be horrid
as Emperor. Was he? Research his reign. What did he do that was so bad?
Why was he overthrown in the end? |
