Ancient Rome introduces young readers to the great civilization whose political institutions, architecture, and literature still influence us today. Students explore the geography of the Mediterranean region, daily life in early Rome, and Roman mythology. They learn how Rome changed from a republic to an empire, and meet key figure such as Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Caesar Augustus. Other chapters explore gladiators in the Colosseum, the destruction at Pompeii, the rise of Christianity, and the fall of the empire.