Julius Caesar invaded Britain in 55 BC but it would be almost 100 years before the full might of the Roman army, led by Emperor Claudius, landed on the beaches in Kent and quickly established control over the tribes of present day south-eastern England.
Despite some resistance and a few bloody revolts the Romans ruled for the next 400 years playing an important part in British history.
But what was the impact upon Britain of four centuries of Roman rule? And what evidence of this impact remains today? Did the Romans change Britain or was their legacy largely erased by later continental invaders?
The mystery video sets up specific investigations for you to explore in truly interactive ways through map analysis, interactive timelines, empathy games, picture analysis, archaeological sites, dig simulations, museum objects and reflection activities.
The activities challenge you to sift through the evidence of time, make decisions, and solve historical mysteries for yourselves!
FREE SAMPLE ACTIVITY
How did local tribes in Britain react to the Roman invasion?
Queen Boudica is something of q mystery person but we do know from the writings of Roman scholars that she was the wife of Prasutagas, King of the Iceni tribe, with whom she had two daughters. Upon his death Prasutagus left his empire to his two daughters and Emperor Nero in order to maintain peace and protect his kingdom.
History has recorded what took place next but let’s see if your decisions mirror those events that actually happened! Imagine that you are queen of the Iceni people in Roman occupied Britain. You have tolerated the presence of the Romans for almost two decades.
What would you have done?
Case Study unit of work inquiry structure
- ACTIVITY 1 What was the impact of the Roman invasion of Britain
Video exploration of evidence that remains today of Roman occupation and influence to set the context for the inquiry-based activities in the unit. - ACTIVITY 2 When and why did Rome invade Britain?
Uncovering and investigating evidence of Rome’s expansion and occupation of Britain. - ACTIVITY 3 What was the role of the military?
Could you be a good Roman soldier? An interactive decision-maker to see if you would make a good recruit in the Roman Army. - ACTIVITY 4 How did local tribes in Britain react to the invasion?
Queen Boudica and the Iceni – what would you have done? - ACTIVITY 5 How did Rome feed the empire?
Imagine that you are on holidays in Portugal, and you stumble across mysterious Roman ruins. What are they? How old are they? Why are they here? Why have they been preserved? What do they tell us about people who lived here 2000 years ago? - ACTIVITY 6 What was Roman life like in Britain?
Investigate evidence that remains to help answer this question. - ACTIVITY 7 Who were the gladiators?
The city of York is best remembered today as a Viking city, that is until some 80 skeletons of young men were found buried beneath the streets. How does this help answer this question? - ACTIVITY 8 Who was Constantine the Great?
The story of Emperor Constantine’s rise and reign is a story of conflict, conspiracy, and Christianity, and is pivotal to an understanding of later Roman history and the shape of Europe for centuries after… but does he deserve the title – Constantine the great? - ACTIVITY 9 What has been their legacy?
What does the evidence that exists today tell us about the Roman’s legacy in Britain? - ACTIVITY 10 Reflection
Reflecting on learning, interest, engagement and skill development for this unit.
