Yule: The Roman Empire & Dark Ages Begin
From the golden age of Augustus to the first cracks in the Empire, we explore Rome's greatest heights as we celebrate the return of light at Yule.
UU Principle Focus
1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person
🎯 Learning Goals
- • Understand the Pax Romana and the Roman Empire at its height
- • Appreciate Roman engineering and architectural achievements
- • Explore the spread of Christianity in the Roman world
- • Master percentages and their real-world applications
- • Study stars, constellations, galaxies, and the universe
- • Connect Saturnalia traditions to Yule celebrations
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: Augustus and the Pax Romana
🕯️ Hearth Circle
After years of civil war, Augustus brought peace to Rome. What does peace mean to you? How do we create peace in our families and communities?
📚 Language Arts
Study Octavian's rise to become Augustus. The transformation from Republic to Empire. Write about the meaning of 'Pax Romana.'
✖️ Math
Introduction to percentages. Percent means 'per hundred.' Converting fractions and decimals to percentages.
🔭 Science: Astronomy
Stars: What are they? Nuclear fusion. Star types and colors. Why do stars twinkle?
✏️ Form Drawing
Imperial Roman designs—eagles, laurels, and borders
🧶 Handwork
Begin Yule crafts; evergreen decorations
📖 Story
Augustus: The First Emperor
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Augustus Caesar Documentary
- Stars Explained for Kids
Shows:
- Rome: Rise and Fall
Audio:
- Augustus audiobook excerpts
Week 2: Roman Empire at Its Height
🕯️ Hearth Circle
The Roman Empire stretched across three continents. How did so many different peoples live together? What can we learn about diversity? (1st Principle)
📚 Language Arts
Map the Roman Empire at its greatest extent. Study life in different provinces. Write from the perspective of someone in Britain, Egypt, or Judea.
✖️ Math
Finding percentages of numbers. 25% of 80 = ? Real-world applications: discounts, tips, taxes.
🔭 Science: Astronomy
Constellations: patterns in the stars. Learn major constellations. Star maps and mythology.
✏️ Form Drawing
Constellation diagrams and star maps
🧶 Handwork
Create star ornaments; continue Yule preparations
📖 Story
Life Across the Roman Empire
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Roman Empire Map
- Constellations for Kids
Shows:
- What the Romans Did for Us
Audio:
- Roman Diary audiobook
Week 3: Roman Engineering & Architecture
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Romans built roads, aqueducts, and buildings that still stand today. What do you want to build that will last? What legacy will you leave?
📚 Language Arts
Study Roman engineering: roads, aqueducts, the Colosseum, Pantheon. Write a report on one Roman structure.
✖️ Math
Percent increase and decrease. Original price vs. sale price. Population growth.
🔭 Science: Astronomy
The life cycle of stars: birth, main sequence, death. Red giants, white dwarfs, supernovae.
✏️ Form Drawing
Architectural drawings—arches, columns, domes
🧶 Handwork
Build a model aqueduct or arch; Yule log preparation
📖 Story
Building the Eternal City
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Roman Engineering Marvels
- Life Cycle of Stars
Shows:
- Engineering an Empire: Rome
Audio:
- City audiobook
Week 4: Roman Religion & Early Christianity
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Romans worshipped many gods, then Christianity spread through the Empire. How do we respect different beliefs? (3rd Principle: Spiritual Growth)
📚 Language Arts
Study Roman religion and the spread of Christianity. Compare Roman gods to Greek gods. Discuss religious tolerance and persecution.
✖️ Math
Percent problems: finding the whole when given a part and percent. Multi-step percent problems.
🔭 Science: Astronomy
Galaxies: the Milky Way and beyond. Types of galaxies. The scale of the universe.
✏️ Form Drawing
Spiral galaxy designs; Roman religious symbols
🧶 Handwork
Create solstice candles; winter nature crafts
📖 Story
Gods of Rome and the Rise of Christianity
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Roman Gods Explained
- Galaxies for Kids
Shows:
- The Story of God
Audio:
- Mythology by Edith Hamilton
Week 5: The Empire Begins to Crack
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Even the mightiest empire began to weaken. What causes things to fall apart? How do we handle decline and change in our own lives?
📚 Language Arts
Study the Crisis of the Third Century. Diocletian's reforms. The splitting of the Empire. Write about causes of decline.
✖️ Math
Review percentages. Introduction to simple interest. Saving and borrowing money.
🔭 Science: Astronomy
Black holes: what happens when massive stars die. Event horizons. The mystery of space.
✏️ Form Drawing
Abstract designs representing chaos and order
🧶 Handwork
Complete Yule gifts and decorations
📖 Story
The Empire Divided
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Fall of Rome Beginning
- Black Holes Explained
Shows:
- The Dark Ages
Audio:
- History podcast: Rome
Week 6: Yule: Return of the Light
🕯️ Hearth Circle
At the darkest time of year, we celebrate the return of light. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia. How do we find hope in dark times? (1st Principle: Worth and Dignity)
📚 Language Arts
Study Saturnalia and winter solstice traditions. Compare to modern holidays. Write a reflection on light returning after darkness.
✖️ Math
Review all percentage concepts. Real-world project: create a budget with percentages.
🔭 Science: Astronomy
Review astronomy unit. Create a presentation on a space topic of choice.
✏️ Form Drawing
Solstice sun designs; light emerging from darkness
🧶 Handwork
Complete all Yule preparations; decorate the home
📖 Story
Saturnalia: The Roman Festival of Light
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Winter Solstice Explained
- Space Documentary
Shows:
- Cosmos
Audio:
- Winter solstice stories
❄️ Yule Celebration
- 🟡 Hold a Saturnalia-inspired feast with gift exchanges
- 🟡 Light candles to welcome the returning sun
- 🟡 Decorate with evergreens, symbols of eternal life
- 🟡 Stargaze and identify constellations
- 🟡 Share astronomy presentations and projects
- 🟡 Reflect on hope, light, and new beginnings
📚 Recommended Resources
Read-Alouds & Literature
- • Augustus (Anthony Everitt) - excerpts
- • The Roman Mysteries series
- • City: A Story of Roman Planning
Reference
- • DK Eyewitness: Ancient Rome
- • National Geographic: Space Encyclopedia
- • H.A. Rey's Find the Constellations