Exploring Ancient Rome (Free Spanish Lessons for Kids)
Ancient Rome for kids is a unique topic for bringing world history into your Spanish classroom. Your students will discover the wonders of a fascinating ancient civilization as they learn new vocabulary in Spanish.
Ancient Rome is an inspirational empire that conquered large amounts of European territory. Its unforgettable rulers and emperors spread the power of Rome to the furthest corners.
The empire set the foundations for many of the systems behind what we know today—politics, engineering, architecture, language, and religion date back to the time of ancient Romans.
Join me in an exhilarating trip back in time where we explore the marvels of Ancient Rome for kids in Spanish.
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Explore more FREE SPANISH LESSONS FOR KIDS! ➡️
Enjoy over 70 unique lessons + free activity packets to download.
Ancient Rome for Kids in the Spanish Classroom
Homeschool parents and Spanish educators often struggle to find the right strategies for teaching Spanish. The key to Spanish lessons is making them immersive, fun, and engaging.
Children are able to absorb a new language easier than adults. They can grasp new vocabulary and develop fluency through constant exposure to Spanish.
Consistent Spanish habits ultimately improve their confidence in using Spanish intuitively. What’s more, children also learn to master Spanish grammar, reading, writing, and pronunciation.
Ancient Rome for kids is an alternative topic for the Spanish classroom where you can combine world history and culture. When you look back at the legacy of ancient Rome you’ll discover how enjoyable it is for kids to reflect on how powerful the Romans were and what they accomplished.
Keep reading for an insightful and educational Kid’s Guide to Ancient Rome in Spanish.
A Brief History of Ancient Rome for Kids
La antigua Roma (ancient Rome) is a majestic civilization that thrived between the year 1000 BC to 476 AD.
Rome began as a small village on the Italian peninsula, specifically along the Tiber River on Mount Palatino. Early inhabitants found this area to be an exceptional location where farming, commerce, and people could thrive.
Before they knew it, Rome became a bustling and fully functioning city. It became one of the most powerful cities in the world for over 1,500 years. The first native groups that lived in the area were considered latinos (Latin origin), griegos (Greeks), sabinos (Sabines), and etruscos (Etruscans).
The city was surrounded by hills that served as protective barriers. During the first king’s ruling of Rome, the city established a military system, a senate, and judicial system.
Originally Rome was meant to be a monarquía (monarchy), but after the reigns of seven kings it was declared una republica (republic). Elected rulers with established laws in a constitution would run the republic. This political system functioned for hundreds of years.
Eventually, Rome became un imperio (empire). Julio Cesar (Julius Ceasar) overpowered the republic and made himself ruler. He was followed by Caesar Augustus, who became the first emperador de Roma (Roman emperor).
The government that fell below emperor ruling pretty much endured, but el Cesar (Caesar) had absolute power.
Ancient Rome for Kids Spanish Vocabulary
| English | Spanish |
| ancient Rome | la antigua Roma |
| commerce | el comercio |
| emperor | el emperador |
| Roman empire | el imperio romano |
| farming, agriculture | la agricultura |
| hills | las colinas |
| judicial system | el sistema judicial |
| king of Rome | el rey de Roma |
| military | el ejército |
| monarchy | la monarquía |
| republic | la república |
| Roman citizen | el ciudadano romano |
| Romans | los romanos |
| senate | el senado |
Example Sentences
La antigua Roma fue una civilización antigua fascinante.
Ancient Rome was a fascinating ancient civilization.
La ciudad de Roma tenía comercio, agricultura, senado y ejército.
The city of Rome had commerce, farming, a senate, and armies.
Roma estaba rodeada de colinas para protección.
Rome was surrounded by hills for protection.
Roma pasó de ser monarquía, a república y a imperio.
Roma went from being a monarchy, to a republic, and an empire.
El emperador de Roma tenía el poder absolute.
The emperor of Rome had absolute power.
The Expansion of the Roman Empire
Rome wasn’t built overnight! It took time for the Roman empire to expand and grow. The Romans had strong manpower and weaponry. It was only a matter of time before they conquered more territory and populations.
They controlled Italy, Northern Africa, Hispania (Spain), and el Mediterráneo (Mediterranean). They also controlled Brittania (Britain) for a brief period. This growth came at a cost, as it became more difficult for the city of Rome to manage so much territory.
As a result, the empire of Rome was divided in two. First, the western Roman empire which was based in Rome, and second, the eastern Roman empire which was based in Constantinople, Turkey.
The threat of barbaric tribes, political instability and social discontent in western Rome weakened it. While the rise of eastern Rome developed in peace. The fall of the empire turned to a reality and eastern Rome became el imperio Bizantino (the Byzantine Empire), which ruled for another 1,000 years.
The whole Roman empire saw glory for 500 years. Rome was once the center of the world and an impressive city.
Expansion of Rome Spanish Vocabulary
| English | Spanish |
| barbaric tribes | las tribus bárbaras |
| Constantinople | Constantinopla |
| eastern Roman empire | el imperio romano oriental |
| manpower | la mano de obra |
| peace | la paz |
| territory | el territorio |
| to conquer | conquistar |
| to grow | crecer |
| war | la guerra |
| weaponry | las armas, el armamento |
| western Roman empire | el imperio romano occidental |
Example Sentences
El imperio romano creció y conquistó grandes territorios en diferentes continentes.
The Roman empire grew and conquered large territories in different continents.
Al no poder controlar el crecimiento, el imperio romano se dividió en occidental y oriental.
Not being able to control the growth, the Roman empire divided itself into western and eastern powers.
El armamento y la mano de obra romana le permitió ganar muchas guerras.
The weaponry and manpower of Rome allowed it to win many wars.
El imperio romano occidental fue debilitado por las tribus bárbaras.
The western roman empire was weakened by barbaric tribes.
El imperio romano oriental floreció en paz hasta convertirse en Constantinopla,
The eastern roman empire flourished in peace until becoming Constantinopla.
FUN FACT: Notice how in Spanish we do not capitalize demonyms.
The Society of Ancient Rome for Kids
The people of ancient Rome were social and enjoyed family visits and friends. Families were close and inhabited the same house. La sociedad romana (Roman society) admired the elderly men of the family.
The city of Rome had mercados (markets) with all sorts of exotic and valuable goods. People were able to buy joyas (jewelry), ropa (clothes), comida (food), armas (weapons), and animales (animals). The city of Rome also had public baths, schools, temples, drinking fountains, post offices, and more.
Rome allowed slavery and deprived some citizens of rights and freedom. El ejército (the military) would bring these esclavos (slaves) for forced labor and sold them in markets.
The Roman military was widely respected. Their fighting tactics and organization were feared by others. Las legiones romanas (Roman legions) conquered Greek, Egyptian, and many more armies.
Have you heard the saying “Todos los caminos llevan a Roma” (“All roads lead to Rome”)? Well it goes back to old, old times! Whenever a new city was conquered by the Roman military, a road with signs was built to connect them both.
Explore more FREE SPANISH LESSONS FOR KIDS! ➡️
Enjoy over 70 unique lessons + free activity packets to download.
Roman Society Spanish Vocabulary
| English | Spanish |
| drinking fountain | la fuente para beber |
| post office | la oficina postal, el correo |
| public baths | los baños públicos |
| road | el camino |
| Roman families | las familias romanas |
| Roman legions | las legiones romanas |
| Roman military | el ejército romano |
| Roman society | la sociedad romana |
| school | la escuela |
| signs | las señales |
| slavery | la esclavitud |
| temples | los templos |
Example Sentences
Las ciudades romanas tenían fuentes para beber, baños públicos, correo, escuelas y templos.
Roman cities had drinking fountains, public bathrooms, post offices, schools, and temples.
Las legiones romanas eran temidas y respetadas por rivales.
Roman legions were feared and respected by rivals.
El ejercito romano capturaba personas para la esclavitud.
The roman military captured people for slavery.
Los romanos construyeron caminos con señales.
The Romans built roads with signs.
Ancient Rome Arts and Architecture
The ancient Romans were highly educated, literate, and enjoyed las artes (arts). They made pottery, sculptures, paintings, and reliefs.
La religión played an important role in las artes romanas (Roman arts). Los artistas romanos (Roman artists) carved esculturas (sculptures) in honor of their gods and goddesses.
They painted their houses with depictions of daily life in full color. Other houses had mosaics made of glass and stone.
Roman architecture stood out for the carvings on stone called relieves (reliefs) on the walls. The Romans drew inspiration from ancient Greek buildings, copying the use of columns.
They also built arches, aqueducts, amphitheaters, apartment blocks, domes, and temples. Los acueductos (aqueducts) were water bridges that amazingly supplied the entire city with freshwater sources.
Roman builders used brick and marble as materials. The construction of anfiteatros (amphitheaters) and coliseos (coliseums) for entertainment was groundbreaking for the Romans. These places had capacity for up to 60,000 people in the audience for entertainment.
The town square, known as the Roman forum, was a large courtyard made of stone used for speeches, and public events. The Romans also built bathhouses with gardens and religious temples.
Roman Art and Architecture Spanish Vocabulary Part 1
| English | Spanish |
| amphitheater | el anfiteatro |
| apartment blocks | los bloques de apartamentos |
| aqueducts | los acueductos |
| arches | los arcos |
| bath house | la casa de baño |
| brick | el ladrillo |
| coliseum | el coliseo |
| columns | las columnas |
| courtyard | el patio |
| gardens | los jardines |
Example Sentences
El anfiteatro y el coliseo romano recibían grandes audiencias.
The roman colosseum and amphitheater welcomed large audiences.
Los romanos construyeron bloques de apartamentos y casas de baños con jardines.
The Romans built apartment blocks and bath houses with gardens.
Las ciudades romanas se abastecían de agua por medio de acueductos.
Roman cities were supplied with water through aqueducts.
La arquitectura romana utilizaba columnas y arcos.
Roman architecture used columns and arches.
The aqueducts of Rome are a truly fascinating way to move water! See this entertaining Kid’s Guide to the Water Cycle in Spanish for more insight.
Roman Art and Architecture Spanish Vocabulary Part 2
| English | Spanish |
| glass | el vidrio |
| marble | el mármol |
| mosaics | los mosaicos |
| painting | la pintura |
| pottery | la cerámica |
| Roman art | el arte romano |
| stone | la piedra |
| to build | construir |
| to carve | tallar |
| walls | las paredes |
Example Sentences
Los romanos hacían mosaicos en el suelo con vidrio y piedra.
Romans made mosaics on the floor with glass and stone.
Los artistas romanos se dedicaban a la pintura y a la cerámica.
Roman artists were devoted to painting and pottery.
Los romanos pintaban las paredes.
Romans painted their walls.
Tallaban piedras para conmemorar eventos.
They carved stones to commemorate events.
Food of Ancient Rome for Kids
In la dieta romana (Roman diet) it was basic to eat aceite de oliva (olive oil), cebada (barley), and vino (wine). People also took from la dieta Mediterranea (Mediterranean diet) the use of nueces (nuts), vegetales (vegetables), and frutas (fruits). Wealthier Romans were able to afford different meats and seafood.
Romans enjoyed cooking with exotic spices from India and Africa. The diet on territory outside of Italy varied with the ingredients used for cooking.
Example Sentences
La gente de la antigua Roma consumía aceite de oliva, cebada y vino.
People of ancient Rome consumed olive oil, barley, and wine.
Los romanos seguían la dieta mediterránea de nueces, frutas, y vegetales.
Romans followed the Mediterranean diet of nuts, fruits and vegetables.
Los romanos cocinaban con especies exóticas de la India.
Romans cooked with exotic spices from India.
See this fun Kid’s Guide to Cooking in Spanish to compliment this lesson.
Religion and Celebrations of Ancient Rome
The Romans were devoted to their dioses y diosas (gods and goddesses). They built temples of all over the empire honoring them and brought countless daily offerings to keep them satisfied.
They created life size statues of their deities and believed they interacted with Roman society. Roman gods and goddesses played a key part in la mitología romana (Roman mythology).
This collection of heroic tales and stories of ancient Rome described values and beliefs of Romans.Once the Romans adopted el cristianismo (Christianity), Roman mythology began to fade as tradition.
The Romans honored their gods with shrines at home. They celebrated carnavales (carnivals) with musica (music), baile (dancing), and banquets.
Roman Gods and Goddesses
| English | Spanish |
| Diana, goddess of hunt, animals, and archery | Diana, diosa de la caza, los animales y el tiro con arco |
| Juno, protector of rome | Juno, protectora de Roma |
| Jupiter, patron god of Rome | Júpiter, dios patrón de Roma |
| Mars, god of war | Marte, dios de la guerra |
| Mercury, god of trade | Mercurio, dios del comercio |
| Neptune, god of the sea | Neptuno, dios del océano |
| Venus, goddess of love | Venus, diosa del amor |
Example Sentences
Los romanos adoraban a sus dioses con templos y altares.
Romans worshipped their gods with temples and shrines.
La mitología romana eran relatos de los dioses.
Roman mythology was tales of the gods.
Los romanos celebraban carnavales en honor a sus dioses y diosas.
Romans celebrated carnivals in honor of their gods and goddesses.
Júpiter era el dios máximo de Roma.
Jupiter was the maximum god of Rome.
See A Kid’s Guide to Ancient Greece in Spanish for more kids’ lessons!
Fun Facts and Curiosities About Ancient Rome for Kids
- Roman people believed they came from Romulo and Remo, twin brothers raised by a wolf. The twins are believed to have found Mount Palatino.
- Roman amphitheaters hosted peleas de gladiadores (gladiator fights), ejecuciones (executions), and chariot races.
- Romans were highly educated and had a taste for literature, music, and spending time in the bath houses and arena (coliseum).
- The native language of the Romans was Latin.
- Romans used carrozas (chariots) and boats for transportation. Romans built complex road systems, bridges, and drainage.
- The gladiator fights were sometimes punishment and sometimes entertainment. Not only did fighters go against each other, but they often involved exotic animals like elephants, lions, bears, horses, and more.
- Rome is the current capital of Italy.It shares spaces with many ancient Roman buildings and structures.
- The coliseums and amphitheaters are considered masterpieces of engineering. El coliseo de Roma could welcome 50,000 spectators at once.
- Roman architecture has inspired buildings from all over the world, for example the U.S. Capitol.
- The Roman city of Pompeya (Pompeii), once a hub of Roman commerce, was devastated by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Archaeologists have discovered many paintings, buildings, and artifacts depicting how life in Roman times once was.
- The Roman political system, art, architecture and math are large contributions to modern society that are valued and used today around the world.
Ancient Rome for Kids Spanish Classroom Activities
Take this lesson about ancient Rome for kids to the next level with entertainment hands-on activities for the classroom.
Word Search
A sopa de letras (word search) is a fabulous strategy for supporting Spanish learners. Locating the 10 vocabulary words from the lesson requires concentration and plenty of reading. Word search is a fun and engaging activity students enjoy.
Flashcards
Illustrated flashcards always come in handy! Supporting visual learners with flashcards helps them with memory retention and conceptualization. They are a great tool for learning new vocabulary and can be used for several other activities.
Quiz and Crossword Puzzle
Use our ancient Rome for kids quiz as a reading comprehension activity. It comes with a crossword puzzle and 10 questions to solve. Puzzles and trivia are ideal for testing your student’s understanding of the lesson and its concepts.
Ancient Rome for Kids Story Time
Get your hands on some Roman mythology and classical tales. Books are the ultimate resource for teaching kids about ancient Rome.
The stories of the Roman empire are highly inspirational and valuable. Reading them in Spanish is guaranteed to elevate your child’s language skills.
Here’s a list of ancient Rome for kids books you can choose from.
- La vida en la antigua Roma (Life in Ancient Rome)
- Las historias más bellas de la antigua Roma (The Most Beautiful Stories of Ancient Rome)
- El gran libro sobre Roma (The Great Book About Rome)
- Asterix Gladiador (Asterix Gladiator)
- Vacaciones en Pompeya (Holidays in Pompeii)
- Roma: el auge y la caída de un imperio (Rome: The Rise and Fall of An Empire)
Ancient Rome for Kids Videos
YouTube offers many videos about ancient Rome for kids in Spanish. Videos are an efficient alternative that exposes young students to native conversation. They are accessible on their phones, tablets, and computer; making them practical and enjoyable anywhere!
Videos are highly entertaining and visually appealing, kids don’t even notice they’re learning as they’re entertained.
Choose from this list of amusing ancient Rome for kids videos.
- El imperio romano (The Roman Empire)
- La antigua Roma (Ancient Rome)
- 5 cosas que deberías saber del imperio romano (5 Things You Should Know About the Roman Empire)
- Pompeya (Pompeii)
- Los números romanos (Roman Numerals)
All Roads Lead To Spanish!
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