Below are several options for activities that will reinforce students’ knowledge and understanding of ancient myths featuring plants that they explored at the Getty Villa.

I. Compare the Ancient Villa to a Modern Home

Have students reflect upon the similarities and differences between rooms and other living spaces in ancient villas and modern homes. Have students organize their conclusions in a Venn diagram. When students complete their Venn diagrams, they can share them with the class.

II. Decorate a Roman Villa

Ask students to imagine that they are the owner of a Roman villa and gardens and design a work of art to decorate the space. They can design an object or an architectural element such as a fresco, a mosaic floor, or a column. Students should choose a space, either in the building or gardens. They can search the Getty Museum’s online collections (www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/) for inspiration. Students can also use Getty Bookmarks (https://www.getty.edu/mygetty/) to collect and save their favorite works of art from the Getty collection.

III. Be an Ancient Architect

Have students draw a two-dimensional plan (or make a three-dimensional model) of a Roman villa and gardens. Students should indicate where the living areas are located and be able to explain why those functions should to be in their chosen locations.

Encourage students to do Activity II as well, and place their designed object or architectural element within their villa in a way that reflects on the function of the space. Students can also print images of objects from the Getty Museum’s collection and position them in the areas on their plan.