OD 4: How do we know what happened long ago? (Read/Grammar)

The Roman Fort of Hermeskeil

It is the year 51 BC on the border of modern France. Julius Caesar, the great Roman general, stands in front of his army. Thousands of his soldiers watch him carefully. There is a deep silence. Suddenly, Caesar raises his arm, and his soldiers attack the neighboring Treveri army with loud cries.

The author's purpose up to now is...

• to inform

• to entertain

• to persuade

How do historians know this happened? A recent discovery near the German town of Hermeskeil gave them clues. In 2010, archaeologists believed they found a 2,000-year-old Roman fort near Hermeskeil. A fort is a place where an army can stay safely. They found parts of the fort. However, they couldn't prove it was Roman.

The author's purpose here is (...)

• to inform

• to entertain

• to persuade

Then, one year later, they made an important discovery. Between two stones, they found pieces of clay and a nail from a Roman soldier's shoe. Shoemakers put these nails around the bottom of the shoe to keep it together. Roman soldiers walked far, and the nails kept the shoes strong. These shoes were an important part of the Roman soldier's uniform. The pattern on the nail proved that it was 2,000 years old.

The author's purpose here is (...)

• to inform

• to persuade

• to entertain

Archaeologists now know that Julius Caesar and his army were in the area at that time. They think the Roman army fought the local Treveri army and chased them away. The archaeologists hope to find more information about this interesting time in history. Today, they are still searching for clues and treasure.

The author's purpose here is (...)

• to entertain

• to persuade

• to inform

What did archeologists find in Germany?

They found a 2,000-year-old (...).

Archaeologists found a soldier's shoe between the stones.

• True

• False

The Roman fort is in modern Germany.

• True

• False

Archaeologists have stopped looking for clues now.

• True

• False

Julius Caesar was a great Roman

• battle

• general

• ancient

• coffin

Archeologists found a (...) inside the tomb.

• battle

• general

• battle

• coffin