The Roman MVR (Most Valuable Ruler)

and the Worst of Them All!

Introduction:

You have been asked to track down and find the most valuable emperor in the Roman Empire and the worst ruler of Ancient Rome? Was it Julius Caesar? Augustus Caesar? Caligula? Nero? Diocletian? Or Constantine I? You decide, using qualities and traits that you believe make a great leader and those that make a poor leader.

The Task:

To honor the leader whom you feel is the most valuable, you will need to create a campaign poster or a flyer that promotes this ruler as the “Most Valuable Ruler.” You will need to provide, at least, four reasons that support your choice for “most valuable” emperor.

On the other side of the coin, which one of these leaders was the worst? Who was a criminal for contributing to the fall of Rome? Who betrayed his people by doing a poor or bad job of ruling? Since we want to make certain that this ruler is punished for doing such a terrible job, you will need to make a WANTED poster for the worst ruler of Ancient Rome. Reasons that support his capture should be included on your poster.

Be certain that you gather information on each of these men’s background, character, strengths, weaknesses, and contributions to Rome. Only when you have gathered all your information can you decide who really is the best or the worst. Links are provided below, but there are also plenty of books in the LMC that will help you find what you need.

The Procedure:

1. You need to make a list of the qualities that you believe make a good leader. These qualities should exemplify characteristics that you would like to see in leaders of your country or organizations. Use the Traits Worksheet for MVP Emperor Project. (SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR FOR THE WORKSHEET)

2. Next make a list of traits that you think make a poor or bad leader. What type of person would you not want to have running your country? Use the Traits Worksheet for MVP Emperor Project. (SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR FOR THE WORKSHEET

3. Research the following rulers of Rome who are listed below. Be sure to gather information on their character, background, strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and failures. YOU SHOULD READ THE BLUE LINK FOR EACH RULER!!! EXTRA LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION ARE LISTED BELOW EACH EMPEROR.

4. CREATE THE CAMPAIGN POSTER or FLYER which promotes one ruler as the most valuable ruler of Ancient Rome. On your poster or flyer, indicate at least four reasons which support your choice of the candidate for “best ruler.” IN ADDITION, make a WANTED POSTER for the worst ruler of Ancient Rome. You will think of this person as a criminal for contributing to the fall of Rome. Provide, at least, four reasons why this ruler is the WORST. BE SURE TO GET THE RUBRIC FOR YOUR POSTERS from your instructor.