For this assignment, I designed four tasks, put the students in pairs, and gave each a different task to start off with (so they wouldn't all be doing the same thing at once). Once a group finished their task and mailed their answers to Scintilla, I gave them the next task. I have listed the four tasks below; most are simple “find and report” items, but a few involve a little thought and deduction.

Learning Goals:

• Technological Skills: navigating in the MOO, sending MOO mail, finding and manipulating objects
• Course Content: understanding of the nature of Roman political campaigning, understanding the importance of location for various political activities in the city

VRoma Treasure Hunt, task 1: Go to Rome; click on the map of the 14 regions (or click on the exit names) to go to Regio VIII. Then proceed to the Rostra.

1. What is the Rostra? What does its name mean and why was this name given to it?
2. Find a series of writings dealing with political strategies during the Republic. Describe two of these strategies. Do they have any similarities with strategies used today? Why or why not?
3. Which political strategy caused major trouble for Cicero? What happened? What connection does this story have with the location you are visiting?
4. Send your answers to each of these questions in MOO mail messages to Scintilla.

VRoma Treasure Hunt, task 2: Go to Rome; click on the map of the 14 regions (or click on the exit names) to go to Regio VIII. Then proceed to the Portico of the Senate House, located on the street called Argiletum.

1. Find a garment there and try it on. What is this garment's name and what does it look like? What does your experience with it reveal about the relationship between Roman politics and external appearances?
2. Explore the place where the Senate met. Find an item of furniture and follow instructions. What is the name of this item and who was allowed to use it?
3. Send your answers to these questions in a mail message to Scintilla.

VRoma Treasure Hunt, task 3: Go to Rome; click on the map of the 14 regions (or click on the exit names) to go to Regio X. Then proceed to Area Apollinis Palatini—the Temple of Apollo and associated buildings.

1. What kinds of buildings are located on the Palatine Hill?
2. Find Gaius Maledictus, a fictional character (actually a speaking robot). If you wish to converse with him, type ‘activate Gaius’ in the input window and he will say something in response to everything you say. Read his description and find and read at least two of his notes. From this evidence, describe what element of Roman society he is supposed to represent.
3. Include a quote from one of his notes and explain how this reveals his perspective. Why do you think his creator chose to place Gaius Maledictus on the Palatine Hill?
4. Send your answers to these questions in a mail message to Scintilla.

VRoma Treasure Hunt, task 4: Go to Rome; click on the map of the 14 regions (or click on the exit names) to go to Regio VIII. Then proceed to the Rostra.

1. What famous pet was associated with the Rostra? What did this pet do? What happened to it?
2. Visit this pet's tomb. What does the tombstone say? Where is the tomb located? Why would the Roman people put up a tomb in this location?
3. Send your answers to these questions in a mail message to Scintilla.