Famous Men of Ancient Rome: Lives of Julius Caesar, Nero, Marcus Aurelius and Others

This captivating book offers young readers a memorable and meaningful introduction to the famous leaders and great men of ancient Rome. Its biographical sketches are chronologically arranged, from 753 B.C., the estimated founding of Rome, to A. D. 476, the fall of the Western Empire. Readers can compare and contrast the characters of these great men and see how their actions and ideas influenced Rome and the world.
The 30 chapters start with the legend of the orphans Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a wolf, and grew up to found the Eternal City. Children also meet a fascinating variety of actual historical figures, including Cincinnatus, who chose to be a farmer instead of a dictator, Nero, the mad emperor, and the warlike Julius Caesar. They'll encounter Marcus Aurelius, the emperor who used his own money to help the poor, and who walked the streets, greeting people and listening to their troubles so that he could be a better leader. Geared toward third- to seventh-graders, Famous Men of Ancient Rome is excellent both for reading aloud and for independent reading and study by students.

John Henry Haaren (1855-1916) was an American educator and historian. John Haaren studied under Prof. N. M. Butler at Columbia University, 1889-91, before becoming a teacher in New York. In 1907 he became Associate Superintendent of Schools in New York, increasing the number and efficiency of kindergartens and starting classes to teach English to foreigners. Haaren was president of the department of pedagogy in the Brooklyn Institute. Haaren High School (which was located on 10th Avenue between 58th and 59th Streets in Manhattan) was named in his honor. The Charles B. J. Snyder-designed school which was initially DeWitt Clinton High School is now Haaren Hall on the campus of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Haaren wrote a several history books which are still appreciated today, of which this is one.