Writer and historian David long is an expert at bringing history to life for children and his latest foray into the past is another meticulously researched and brilliantly written read that will entertain and educate the masses. Are you ready to journey back in time and see what life was like for your average Roman as well as their famous rulers? Between 625BC and AD476 the Romans would change the world. Beginning as a small community of huts on top of a hill in Rome, an empire would grow of the like the world had never seen before. Brilliant builders and brave in battle, fashionistas and fine diners, expert inventors and relentless invaders, the Romans were an unstoppable force. They and their Empire, astonishing. So why did it all come crumbling down? And what, if anything, do we have to thank the Romans for… History books when I was at school were hard reading; text heavy, dull, slow-going, laborious. This is anything but. What it was like to be an…ANCIENT ROMAN is a masterclass in bringing the past into the present and getting children buzzing about history. The tried and tested partnership of David and Stefano proving once again that learning about old stuff can be fun, entertaining, engaging and educational, often all within the space of a single page. The Romans were incredible and there can be little argument after reading this. Spanning ten easily digestible chapters, the concise yet wide-ranging account sheds light on everything children could want to know as an informed duo vividly portray the good, the bad, the ugly, and everything in between of Roman life. Sharing all sorts of facts, trivia and information, and offering wider context and insight on the legacy the Romans left behind, the knowledge-rich feast offers a brilliant historical overview of a fascinating period. Adding further interest and intrigue is Stefano’s superb artwork as he portrays what life was like for the rich and the poor, the rulers and the ruled. Using a mix of labelled diagrams and overviews, portraits and cross-sections, imagined scenes and detailed maps, his excellent illustrations really bring Roman life to life. I taught children in year three for several years and the study of the Romans was always a highlight. Talk of Gods and Gladiators, buildings and battle formations, roads and racing chariots, fashion and feasts, would fill the air and have children challenging each other with who had the best Roman fact. This kind of text would have been hotly fought over. A must-have for the classroom, it will go down a storm with history buffs and wannabe Romans.
David and Stefano’s collaborations with Barrington Stoke now extend to a whopping six books, all of which are accessible to everyone with their dyslexia-friendly font and page tint. I hope for more in this series and after exploring Romans and Vikings I am excited to see where they go next. Could it be The Mayans, The Aztecs, The Egyptians or The Greeks? Recommended for 8+. With huge thanks to Barrington Stoke for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
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