Exploring the historical truth behind some well-known Roman stories.
Introduction
The song ‘Is that fact?’ encourages us to think about different types of evidence and belief in our understanding of the past. It revolves around some famous characters and their stories - each of whom we visit in turn led by our guide, Mercury.
We sing about the abandoned twins Romulus and Remus being saved and suckled by a she-wolf; then the founding of Rome; Julius Caesar and Claudius invading Britain; Nero’s burning of Rome; Mount Vesuvius erupting over Pompeii and Hadrian’s Wall.
The jazzy, foot-tapping song includes joining in with finger-clicking and quiet beat-box cymbal patterns. Its melody enables children to invent five note tunes influenced by Ancient Roman modes and our different moods.
The song: 'Is that a fact?'
Song 2: 'Is that a fact?' (Vocal). Sing along to the full-vocal version of the song 'Is that a fact?'
Is that a fact?
How can we know?
Where is the evidence?
What does it show?
How can we tell if it’s really so?
Is that a fact?
Romulus and Remus
Abandoned twins
Saved by a wolf
(With her teeth in a grin!)
That's where the story of Rome it begins…
Is that a fact?
Julius Caesar
To Britain he came
‘Came, saw and conquered’
For glory and fame
Then he went home. Then he came back again!
Is that a fact?
Emperor Claudius
Invades us for sure
Thousands of soldiers
(An army at war)
March across Britain, invading some more…
Is that a fact?
Over in Rome
Emperor Nero’s in trouble
Kills half his family and friends
At the double
Then watches Rome burn to a pile of old rubble!
Is that a fact?
Elsewhere in Italy
In a town called Pompeii
Citizens relaxing
And working one day
When Volcano Vesuvius blows them away…
Is that a fact?
Back here in Britain
Hadrian builds up a wall
Stands up for Empire
So long, wide and tall
But walls are like empires, they rise and they fall…
Is that a fact?
Life’s full of stories
And tales of who’s who
Some parts imagined
And some parts are true
Past ancient Romans, to future times too…
Is that a fact?
Is that a fact…? Is that a fact…? Is that a fact…? Is that a fact…?
Song 2: 'Is That a Fact!' (Backing). Sing along to the backing track of the song 'Is that a fact?'
Is that a fact?
How can we know?
Where is the evidence?
What does it show?
How can we tell if it’s really so?
Is that a fact?
Romulus and Remus
Abandoned twins
Saved by a wolf
(With her teeth in a grin!)
That's where the story of Rome it begins…
Is that a fact?
Julius Caesar
To Britain he came
‘Came, saw and conquered’
For glory and fame
Then he went home. Then he came back again!
Is that a fact?
Emperor Claudius
Invades us for sure
Thousands of soldiers
(An army at war)
March across Britain, invading some more…
Is that a fact?
Over in Rome
Emperor Nero’s in trouble
Kills half his family and friends
At the double
Then watches Rome burn to a pile of old rubble!
Is that a fact?
Elsewhere in Italy
In a town called Pompeii
Citizens relaxing
And working one day
When Volcano Vesuvius blows them away…
Is that a fact?
Back here in Britain
Hadrian builds up a wall
Stands up for Empire
So long, wide and tall
But walls are like empires, they rise and they fall…
Is that a fact?
Life’s full of stories
And tales of who’s who
Some parts imagined
And some parts are true
Past ancient Romans, to future times too…
Is that a fact?
Is that a fact…? Is that a fact…? Is that a fact…? Is that a fact…?
Downloads
To download files right click on the links and then select either:
- 'Save Target As' (PC)
- 'Download Linked File' (Mac)
More from this series
1. Signals! audio
The first song in the series explores the use of Roman instruments to convey battle signals.
3. Boudicca! audio
Exploring Boudicca and the revolt of the British tribes against the Romans.
4. Oh, the strata of society. audio
Exploring the layers of Roman society...from Emperor down to slave.
