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Roman Britain

Roman helmet with red plume and a sword

If your pupils are studying the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain and/or Local History, our Roman Britain resources are the perfect support to your lesson planning.

Online Learning Resource

KS2

Free

Resource Information

We have designed the resources below to help your pupils learn, whether they are in the classroom or at home. They will also support and complement a visit.

If you are planning to visit the Royal Armouries in Leeds check out our Roman Rule: Boudicca’s Revolt Workshop or if you plan to visit Fort Nelson near Portsmouth check out our The Romans are coming! Workshop.

Download the Roman Britain Teacher Notes KS2 (pdf, 255 KB) for helpful information and tips.

Videos

If you are having trouble viewing the YouTube videos on this page, it is likely because you have rejected those cookies that allow them to work. You can either adjust your cookie settings and accept the “Targeting cookies” or you can watch it on YouTube.

Time Travel Radio

Tiberius the soldier

Tina the time traveller has landed at Hadrian’s Wall in the year 122 AD and is interviewing a very special guest, Tiberius the soldier! Listen to the radio show below to learn all about the wall, the life of Tiberius and some very bad Roman themed jokes.

Download the transcript for "Time Travel Radio – Roman edition" (Word, 20KB)

Learning packs and resources

Roman Rule Home Learners Pack (pdf, 1.6 MB)

Roman Britain Teacher Notes KS2 (pdf, 255 KB)

Contact our communications team if you require documents in an alternative format.

Photo Bank

All the below images are from our collection and will enhance students visual understanding of Roman Britain and the Roman Empire. 

Click/tap the image to reveal more information, including a link to further information and more images of the object.

You are more than welcome to use the images in your lessons and other non-commercial education. If in doubt, please download our Copyright Policy (pdf, 93 KB) or contact our licencing team.

Roman Weapons

  • Roman armour of lorica segmentata. Long thin strips of metal formed to cover the torso and shoulders
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    Model Lorica Segementata

    Britain.

    This model made in 2000, shows one type of armour used by Roman soldiers.. It is made up of several sheets of metal (or lames) hinged together. They are designed to cover the most important parts of the body but still allow the soldier to move. A soldier wore a tunic underneath this armour and sometimes a scarf to reduce any rubbing on the skin.

    See the object page and more images
  • Roman spear head
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    Spear Head 50AD-100AD

    Roman Empire.

    This iron spearhead dates back to the 1st century AD. It is shaped like a leaf and was attached to a haft (a handle). There are lots of markings on it, including a very faint Latin inscription that is unfortunately unreadable. At some point this weapon was broken, accidentally or on purpose, we aren’t sure. You can see where it has been fixed about half way along.

    See the object page and more images
  • Roman gladius blade with handle missing. Metal sections of its scabbard
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    Gladius blade and scabbard pieces 50AD-100AD

    Roman Empire.

    The Roman army used different kinds of swords for different jobs. This short, sharp, double-edged sword was called a gladius. It was designed for foot soldiers to slice and stab in close formation.. This gladius is so well preserved, we can see not one, but two inscriptions on the blade, both of which are names. See the next image for a close up.

    See the object page and more images
  • Writing of > C.VALERI[I] C.RANIU[S] and C.VALE[RI] PRIMI on a Roman gladius blade
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    Writing on gladius blade 50AD-100AD

    Roman Empire.

    The name of a soldier C[aius] Reniu[s] is on one side and on the other side, a centurion named C[aius] Valeri[us] Pri[mus]. A centurion is an officer in the Roman army. At some point, both of these men probably owned this sword.

    See the object page and more images

    Contact Information

    Please contact us to make a booking or if you have any questions.

    Email address

    educate.leeds@armouries.org.uk

    Telephone

    07785 692 443

    Postal address

    Education Team 
    Royal Armouries Museum 
    Leeds 
    LS10 1LT 
    United Kingdom

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