An Amazing Ancient Race in EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
This week, our Adventurers stepped back in time to the days of the Roman Empire — without ever leaving Florida! At EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion, we hosted an Amazing Ancient Race where kids competed in challenges inspired by history, mythology, and ancient inventions.
The race began with a dive into mythology. Teams recalled the stories of Roman and Greek gods, connecting ancient beliefs to the world around them.
From there, they picked up their maps and charted the Greek and Roman worlds, imagining the vast reach of these great civilizations, and uncovered the engineering secrets of Etruscan wells.
With the masks as our backdrop, the pavilion became a stage. Adventurers took turns performing short scenes of Roman tragedy and comedy — dramatic voices, big gestures, and plenty of laughter.
Later, challenges turned to ancient technology. Kids "climbed" Roman lighthouse that would have guided sailors safely to shore.
No Roman adventure would be complete without soldiers. Teams figured out how the Roman Army used their testudo formation to dominate the landscape.
Finally, the race ended with a puzzle fit for a general: cracking a Caesar cipher. With teamwork and clever thinking, the kids decoded secret messages and unlocked their final clue.
Learning Through Adventure
What stood out most was the way students combined problem-solving with historical knowledge. They weren’t simply hearing about emperors, soldiers, or engineers — they were stepping into their shoes, experiencing the drama of the stage, and the thrill of breaking ancient codes.
Moments like these remind us that history isn’t just something to study — it’s a story to live, explore, and enjoy together.
At the end of the day, the true victory wasn’t about which team finished first, but how every child walked away with curiosity sparked and a stronger connection to the ancient world.
This EPCOT World Cultures, Geography, Science, and Art curriculum is available for sale and use with your students and families at the School of Athens Website and Etsy store.
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