The Song Of Roland

In the centuries after Charlemagne’s death, the number of poems, legends, anecdotes, and tall tales about him multiplied at an increasing rate. Among the most popular were the chansons de geste (French for “Songs of Heroic Deeds”). One, the Song of Roland, is based on an expedition Charles made to Spain in 778 to help a Muslim ally in Saragossa against the emir of Cordoba. When Charles learned that the ally had already settled with the emir, he retreated.

1 min read

Dig Into History Magazine for Kids and Teens

Spreading The Word

Charlemagne was determined to carry out his ambitious educational and cultural agenda to reform and renew both the church and society. To achieve this goal, he issued a decree to bishops and abbots to create schools in every monastery and bishop’s residence for the sons of both serfs and freemen. He then instructed these schools to teach the boys psalms, music, math, and grammar and to provide the students with “correct Catholic books.” If new copies of the books were needed, Charlemagne decreed, “Let men of full age do the writing, with all diligence.”

2 mins read

Dig Into History Magazine for Kids and Teens

'Father Of Europe'

On December 25, in the year 800, the huge nave of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome buzzed with Roman nobles, Frankish counts, and archbishops, bishops, abbots, and priests from many parts of Western Europe, all eager to witness an unprecedented event.

4 mins read

Dig Into History Magazine for Kids and Teens

You're The One!

In 27 B.C.E., Octavius, having saved Rome from civil war in the battle against Mark Antony and Cleopatra, was awarded the civic crown, a wreath made of oak leaves tied with a ribbon

2 mins read

Dig Into History Magazine for Kids and Teens

The 'Caesar' Emperors

Augustus’ rule had no precedent. The lands under his control stretched across three continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa.

1 min read

Dig Into History Magazine for Kids and Teens

Take A Look

Visual imagery— including statues, inscriptions, and paintings—carried deep meaning for the ancient Romans. In essence, it was a powerful and lasting way of communicating with the masses. Rulers of Rome often used art to make clear their authority to their subjects and to express political and religious beliefs and practices. Just as Augustus started a new political tradition when he became Rome’s first emperor, so he also re-imagined Roman art.

2 mins read

Dig Into History Magazine for Kids and Teens

Not Always A Win

The Battle of Teutoburg Forest (as shown in this 1909 illustration) was fought when an alliance of German tribes ambushed and destroyed the three legions and their auxiliaries led by the Roman general Publius Quintilius Varus.

1 min read

Dig Into History Magazine for Kids and Teens

Augustus Of Prima Porta

One of the most famous statues of Augustus is known as the Augustus of Prima Porta (right), named for the site where it was found. Prima Porta is the suburb of Rome where Augustus’ wife Livia built a huge house, known as a villa.

1 min read

Dig Into History Magazine for Kids and Teens

According To Tacitus

The Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus (c. 55–117 C.E.) wrote a number of important works that offer an insight into life in the early Roman Empire. In his Annals, he presents a history of the emperors from the death of Augustus (14 C.E.) to the death of Nero (68 C.E.). But Tacitus did not just recount events. Rather, he included moral and political judgments about the people he highlighted.

3 mins read

Dig Into History Magazine for Kids and Teens

Meet Livia

Livia Drusilla is certainly one of the most influential women in history, yet most people have never heard her name.

2 mins read

Dig Into History Magazine for Kids and Teens