1. Rome

2. Rome in the first century AD Rome was the most important city in the world. It was the centre of the Roman Empire As it was such an important place, the disciples of Jesus carried the Gospel to Rome. Peter, who had been given the main responsibility of leading the church when Jesus died, went to Rome to try to encourage the Christians to keep their faith in Jesus. The Romans persecuted the Christians for believing in Jesus.

3. A Roman Solider fighting

4. What happened to Peter? Peter was arrested and crucified. The Romans did not like him preaching about Jesus. (Paul another disciple of Jesus, was also killed at this time for the same reason. His head was cut off with a sword!) When Peter died a successor was chosen to carry on his work. He became the bishop of Rome. The first six bishops of Rome were all Martyrs.

5. Peter’s Crucifiction

6. What is Rome like today? Peter’s Successor still live in Rome today. He is called the Pope which means ‘father’ or ‘papa’. Rome is still a very holy place for Catholics today because in the Vatican City is St Peter’s, the church that stands on the place where Peter was martyred and buried.

7. The Pope This is Pope Benedict, the current Pope. What do you think is difficult about his job today?

8. Task 1 In small groups, spend 10 minutes discussing about everything you know about Rome. This can be as it is today or as it was in the past. Perhaps someone has been to Rome and can remember what they saw and did there. Every year, Catholics from all over the world travel to Rome on a pilgrimage. Why do you think they do this? Now feedback to the class.

9. Task 2 Design a poster about Rome for display in a travel agents. You may like to include some historical points about Rome which would be of interest to the tourists. You should include written information and illustrations.