Famous Men of Rome · Ch. VI · Unit 2: The early Republic
8. Horatius
Goal: Your child can tell how Horatius held the bridge while the Romans cut it down.
You'll need
- The book, open to this chapter
- A map of Italy and the Mediterranean (a free online map or a globe)
- Paper and colored pencils
- A few craft sticks or blocks, if you want to build the bridge
What's in the book
Chapter VI: Publius Valerius, called Publicola, rules Rome. Lars Porsena of Clusium marches to bring back Tarquin. Horatius Cocles and two friends hold the far end of the wooden Sublician Bridge while it is cut down, and Horatius swims the Tiber to safety.
The lesson, step by step
Set the scene
Find the Tiber on the map. Say: The only way into Rome from Porsena's side was one wooden bridge.
Read the chapter
Read Chapter VI aloud. It is short and exciting; let your voice show it. It begins:
For a time Rome was ruled by Publius Valerius.
Tell it back
Prompts:
- Why did the Romans decide to cut down their own bridge?
- What did Horatius ask for?
- What happened as the bridge fell?
- How did Rome reward him?
Talk it over
Read the words of Horatius:
Give me two good men to help me, and I will hold the bridge and stop the enemy from coming over.
Ask: The book says even the Etruscans cheered him. Why would an enemy cheer?
Remember it
SayPublicola means the people's friend. Horatius held the bridge.
Extra (optional)
Build a little bridge with blocks or sticks and act it out with toy figures. Or find the poem "Horatius" by Thomas Babington Macaulay and read a few verses aloud; it tells this same story.
Answers to the book's problems
Cutting the bridge was the only way to stop the huge army. The Etruscans cheered because brave deeds were admired even by enemies.
Worked out for this site from the scan. If a number in your copy differs, trust the book.