The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum

Title: A Roman Map Workbook
Author(s): Elizabeth Heimbach
Publisher: Mundelein, IL:  Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN: 0865167265
ISBN-13: 978-0865167261
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[size=+1]From the Bryn Mawr Classic Review:[/size]
The book consists of thirteen chapters, arranged by topic, covering not only ancient Italy and the Roman empire, but also more narrowly focused topics such as the Bay of Naples, Pompeii, Greece, Gaul, ancient Epics (essentially the travels of Ulysses and Aeneas), and Roman writers. Each chapter essentially follows the same pattern. First, the student encounters an introductory narrative keyed to a specific map. Numerous exercises that test the acquisition of this knowledge (some questions are posed in Latin) follow, as well as a blank map on which to practice. This is a pedagogically sound organization. A nifty feature entitled “Ire Ulterius”—for which, as Heimbach says, students will need “a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a history book, or the Internet”—encourages students to take command of their own learning. Questions in this section range from simple (p. 26: “Research the derivation of the name of the continent of Europe. Retell the myth briefly”) to more complex tasks (p. 54: “What are some of the ways scholars have been able to find out what the Forum looked like at different periods of Roman history? How did they discover information on specific buildings like the Temple of Vesta in order to restore it accurately?”). Rounding out each chapter are suggestions for classroom and individual projects (my favorite: make a topographical model of Rome out of quick-drying clay). Three sets of certamen questions, as one might expect from a veteran of secondary Latin teaching in Virginia, are also included in the volume. A teacher’s guide is available with additional goodies, including access to electronic copies of the maps (which is not as exciting as it seems: see below).

Read the full review at the Bryn Mawr Classic Review web site.

[size=+1]Additional Description:[/size]
A Roman Map Workbook meets the needs of today's students and introduces them to the geography of Rome and the Roman world. Veteran high school and college Latin teacher Elizabeth Heimbach provides students, especially those studying Latin, with a thorough grounding in the geography of the Roman world. The Workbook walks students through each map, discussing the importance of each place-name, making connections to Roman history and literature. The carefully chosen maps complement subjects and periods covered in the Latin and ancient history classroom.

[size=+1]Special Notes:[/size]


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