Journey Back to Roman Britain with Eight Cross-Curricular Activities
Transport your KS2 students to the time of the Roman Empire with this comprehensive resource featuring eight engaging activities that explore Roman Britain through history, art, maths, and hands-on exploration.
Eight Complete Activities Included:
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Romans In Britain Timeline: Create a visual timeline of the Roman occupation from invasion in 43 AD to withdrawal in 410 AD, understanding key events, emperors, and how Roman rule changed Britain over nearly 400 years
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Roman Empire Maps: Explore the vast extent of the Roman Empire at its height! Use maps to understand how Britain fit into this enormous empire, identify key Roman cities and roads, and appreciate the scale of Roman conquest
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Roman Shield Design: Design and create authentic Roman shields! Learn about the different types of shields used by legionaries and auxiliaries, explore their defensive purposes, and create your own decorated scutum
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Roman Coins: Investigate Roman currency and what it reveals about emperors, propaganda, and daily life! Design your own Roman coins while learning how historians use coins as historical evidence
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Roman Mosaics: Create stunning mosaic artwork inspired by Roman designs! Explore geometric patterns, mythological scenes, and the incredible craftsmanship of Roman floor mosaics while developing your own tessellated masterpiece
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Roman Numerals: Master the Roman number system! Learn to read and write Roman numerals, understand their structure, and discover why this ancient system is still used today on clocks, books, and monuments
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Roman Pastimes: Discover how Romans spent their leisure time! Explore Roman baths, gladiatorial games, chariot racing, theatre, and board games, understanding both entertainment and social life in Roman Britain
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Romans In Britain: Fieldtrip: Take learning beyond the classroom with a visit to a local Roman site, museum, or archaeological remains, developing fieldwork skills and connecting classroom learning to real historical evidence
Why Teachers Choose This Resource:
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Curriculum-Aligned: Fully supports KS2 History objectives for the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain
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Cross-Curricular Excellence: Seamlessly combines History, Art & Design, Maths (Roman numerals), and Geography (maps)
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Ready to Use: Complete lesson plans with historical context, learning objectives, and step-by-step instructions
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Hands-On Learning: Practical activities including art, design, and making that bring Roman Britain to life
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Develops Historical Skills: Builds chronological understanding, source analysis, and interpretation of evidence
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Fieldwork Opportunity: Includes guidance for educational visits to Roman sites
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Engaging Content: Activities that capture children's imagination about this fascinating period
Perfect For:
- KS2 History lessons on Romans in Britain
- Year 3 and Year 4 Roman Britain topic work
- Homeschool history curriculum
- Cross-curricular Roman-themed projects
- Developing chronological understanding and historical enquiry
- Preparing for visits to Roman sites and museums
Learning Outcomes:
Through these activities, children will understand the Roman Empire's impact on Britain, explore what life was like in Roman Britain for different people, investigate Roman culture, technology, and achievements, develop chronological understanding of the Roman period, use historical sources including maps, coins, and artefacts, and appreciate the lasting legacy of Roman Britain.
What Makes This Resource Special:
The Romans left an incredible legacy in Britain—from roads and cities to language and law. These activities help children understand not just what the Romans did, but why their influence still matters today. By creating mosaics, designing shields, and exploring Roman numerals, students experience Roman culture firsthand, making this ancient civilization feel relevant and real.
Building Historical Understanding:
Understanding the Romans helps children grasp concepts of empire, conquest, cultural exchange, and lasting legacy. These activities develop essential historical skills including chronological thinking, source analysis, and understanding how we know about the past—skills that form the foundation for all future history learning.
Bring Roman Britain to life! These engaging activities help KS2 students discover the fascinating world of the Roman Empire through hands-on art, maths, map work, and historical investigation that makes ancient history tangible, memorable, and genuinely exciting—building knowledge and enquiry skills that will serve them throughout their education.
