A letter from Rome

Scenario: You are a teenager living in ancient Rome during the height of the Empire. Write a letter to a friend or family member that reveals your understanding of Roman society's class structure. Your letter should reflect your character's position in society and their perspective on the different social classes.

Choose Your Character:

• Option A: A patrician teenager from a wealthy, influential family
• Option B: A plebeian teenager from a merchant or craftsperson's family

Requirements:

Your letter must include the following elements:

✓ Clear description of the class system — Explain the roles and responsibilities of patricians or plebians in Roman society

✓ Your character's perspective — Show how your character views their own position and the positions of others in society

✓ Specific details about daily life — Include at least two examples of how class affects your character's life (clothing, food, education, work, rights, freedoms, etc.)

✓ Understanding of social hierarchy — Demonstrate how the class system maintains order and power in Rome

✓ Authentic voice — Write in a tone appropriate to your character and the time period

Guiding Questions (to help you get started):

• What rights and privileges does your character have because of their class?
• What restrictions or hardships does your character face?
• How do patricians, plebeians, and slaves interact in your character's daily life?
• What does your character think about the fairness of this system?
• How might your character's life be different if they were born into a different class?

Length & Format:

• 3 paragraphs (using TIDE)
• Written as a personal letter with a greeting, body paragraphs, and closing
• Use historically accurate details while maintaining an engaging, personal tone