Grade 6 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 14, Lesson 4

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
A Message of Ancient Days

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 14, Lesson 4 The Roman Economy (pp. 447-451)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Interdependence The Roman economy was built around obtaining enough grain to feed its people.

Describe the agricultural basis of the Roman economy. Outline the empire's extensive trade, pointing out that grain was still the most important trade item. Discuss the other products traded, and note the role of the famous Roman roads in making some trade possible.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Have students work in groups to create a report of a Roman shipwreck that they have discovered. Ask them to describe what they find, where the shipwreck is (use the map on p. 451 for ideas), and the kinds of agricultural products and luxury goods that were on the ship.
Ask students to use the map on page 451 to determine, in miles, the point of grain production nearest to Rome, and the point farthest away.

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