Roman Wanderlust Student Guide Social Studies Performance Task
Roman Wanderlust
"All Roads Lead to Rome—But Where Will Your Journey End?"
Classicum
Explorer Name:
Travel Date (Due):
Destination City:
I. The Grand Tour Mission
The year is 125 AD, during the golden age of the Pax Romana under Emperor Hadrian. As a highly esteemed master geographer and travel agent in Rome, you have been commissioned by the Senate to design a Creative Travel Brochure persuading wealthy citizens to visit one of the Empire's magnificent cities. Your guide must be historically accurate, visually spectacular, and highly persuasive!
II. Brochure Anatomy (6 Panels / 3 Fold Template)
Panel 1: Front Cover Banner FRONT
Catchy slogan, Roman city name, beautiful hand-drawn illustration, and travel agency logo.
Panel 2: Geography & Travel Logistics INSIDE
Where is the city located? Detail key routes (e.g., Appian Way) and modes of travel (chariot, galley).
Panel 3: Engineering Marvels INSIDE
Highlight an engineering feat (e.g., aqueduct, dome, arch, bathhouse, or amphitheater) with labeled sketches.
Panel 4: Culture, Food & Entertainment INSIDE
Describe local food (garum, olives), gladiatorial games, theatrical plays, or forums to visit.
Panel 5: Daily Life & Social Classes BACK
How does life differ for Patricians and Plebeians in your city? Write a "local testimonial" from a resident.
Panel 6: Souvenirs & Back Cover BACK
List 3 authentic Roman souvenirs, coin currency used (Denarius/Sestertius), and final persuasive pitch.
III. Campaign Milestones
Step I Choose & Research Complete Organizer
Step II Draft Copywriting Teacher Checkpoint
Step III Illustrate & Color Add Map & Marvels
Step IV Travel Expo Day Class Presentation
Pro-Tips for an Imperial Grade:
Use persuasive hooks (e.g., "Bask in the warm sun of Pompeii...").
Incorporate 3+ Latin words (e.g., Thermae, Aqua, Forum).
All drawings must be detailed and colored. No white space.
Cite historical facts using correct Roman emperors and timelines.
Empire Explorer Organizer Roman Wanderlust Project Organizer
Empire Explorer Research
Dossier: Part I
Explorer Name:
Destination Roman City:
Province / Region:
Section A: City Geography & Travel Routes (For Panel 2)
1. Climate & Physical Geography Highlights
What physical features make this city attractive? (e.g., rivers, hills, Mediterranean harbor, surrounding volcanoes)
2. Travel Logistics & Transit Infrastructure
How long does it take to travel from Rome? What roads (e.g. Via Appia) or sea routes will travelers navigate?
Section B: Monumental Engineering & Architecture (For Panel 3)
1. Labeled Structural Diagram Sketch your architectural marvel. Label arches, domes, columns, aqueduct tiers, or bricks.
Draw blueprint during drafting phase...
2. Target Monument & Engineering Feats
What materials (concrete, volcanic sand, marble) and structural techniques are highlighted?
3. Social & Cultural Purpose
Why was this monument constructed? How does it make life easier or more entertaining for Roman citizens?
Roman Wanderlust © Imperial Archives Continue on Page 2 →
Roman Wanderlust Project Organizer
Empire Explorer Research
Dossier: Part II
Section C: Food, Entertainment & Daily Experience (For Panel 4)
1. Ancient Cuisine & Local Markets
Identify 3 foods or ingredients travelers will eat (e.g. garum, flatbread, figs). Describe where citizens purchase food.
2. Spectacles & Cultural Pursuits
What leisure activities do locals enjoy? Describe games, bathhouse routines, theatrical festivals, or forums.
Section D: Social Hierarchy & Resident Voice (For Panel 5)
1. Patricians vs. Plebeians
How will your travel guide address rich patrician tourists differently from local working-class plebeians?
2. Citizen Testimonial Copy (Draft)
Write a short draft in the first-person from a local resident praising the city’s luxuries, engineering, or security.
Self-Assessment Checklist Before Printing:
Fact-checked timeline/emperors
Structured maps & blueprints
3+ authentic Latin terms
Clear Roman font headers
Clear distinction of class roles
No blank areas on brochure
Roman Wanderlust © Imperial Archives Approved for Classroom Distribution
Roman Wanderlust Rubric Performance Assessment Guide
Evaluation Rubric
Project: Roman Wanderlust Creative Travel Brochure
Grade Card
Student Name:
Total Score:
_______ / 16 pts
Assessed Date:
Category
Excellent (4 pts)
Proficient (3 pts)
Developing (2 pts)
Emerging (1 pt)
Historical Accuracy
Facts, historical figures, dates are flawless. Integrates 3+ Latin terms perfectly in context.
Minor errors in timeline or details, but generally accurate. Integrates 2 Latin terms accurately.
Several historical errors. Only 1 Latin term used, or terms are misplaced and awkward.
Major historical inaccuracies throughout. No Latin elements included.
Geographic Details
Presents detailed map routes, accurate travel times, and descriptive climate characteristics.
Route description is complete, but details on transit networks or terrain are brief.
Transit route is vague. Geography has little link to ancient Roman context.
No geographic context or map features are included in final draft.
Artistry & Layout
Brochure layout is stunning with fully colored maps, blueprints, and meticulous structural sketches.
Neat and organized layout. Sketch is included but lacks precise architectural labeling.
Messy or disorganized layouts. Elements look rushed or incomplete with minimal color.
Lacks color, diagrams, or structural elements. Very incomplete.
Persuasive Copywriting
Includes vivid travel hooks, immersive first-person testimonials, and compelling slogans.
Clear persuasive attempts made, but testimonial feels slightly modern or lacks immersion.
Flat, descriptive writing. Missing persuasive slogans or key travel hooks.
Writing does not attempt to persuade or lacks any structured narrative structure.
Teacher Feedback & Observations Constructive feedback on creative design, accuracy, and writing style.
Roman Wanderlust © Imperial Archives Official Rubric Standard