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Teachers' Notes

Resource created by Kirklees Museums and Galleries

Curriculum links: KS2 History: “the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain” 

Context: 

Roman Britain lasted from around 43 AD to around 410 AD. It began with the invasion and settlement led by the Roman Emperor Claudius. At first, Roman armies faced resistance, such as that led by Boudica, queen of the Iceni tribe. In 60 AD she led a large rebellion, destroying Roman towns including Colchester, London and St Albans. After the rebellion was defeated, the Romans took control of much of southern Britain. 

The Romans brought many changes to Britain. They built roads linking key forts around the country, stone buildings, public baths and new towns, including those at Londinium (now London) and Eboracum (now York). 

Life in Roman Britain involved assimilation, where Roman and local ways of life mixed. People adopted Roman clothing, used Latin words and followed Roman laws, while still keeping some local traditions. 

By around 410 AD, Roman soldiers left Britain to defend other parts of the empire. Roman rule ended, but its legacy remains visible today in roads, buildings and language. 

Learning objectives:  

  • Understand the impact of Roman rule in Kirklees 
  • Identify key features of life in Roman Kirklees 
  • Describe the Roman fort at Slack 
  • Explain what evidence can tell us about the Romans in Kirklees 

Discussion and Activity Ideas: 

  • Literacy: Describe the key features of the Roman fort at Slack
  • Reading: As a class, read Empire’s End – A Roman Story by Leila Rasheed
  • Disciplinary Skills: Study the sources above and make inferences about life in Roman Britain
  • Art: Create and label the Roman fort at Slack using clay or recycled materials

Heritage is…

  • Citizenship: Roman rule involved control, law and military power. What makes a civilisation or community “great”, and who gets to decide?
  • Democracy: The Romans invaded and settled in Britain. Should countries be allowed to take control of other lands? How should power be used responsibly?
  • EDI: People living near Slack included Roman citizens, auxiliary soldiers and local Britons. What did it mean to be “Roman”, and who was included or excluded?

Glossary: 

  • Archaeologist – Someone who studies buildings, graves, tools and other objects from the past
  • Artefact – An object made by humans that is historically important
  • Auxiliary – A soldier in the Roman army who was not a Roman citizen
  • Battalion – A large group of soldiers, bigger than a squad or century
  • Civilian – A person who is not part of the military
  • Deposed – Removed from power suddenly and forcefully
  • Garrisoned – To station troops in a particular place
  • Legionary – A soldier in the Roman army
  • Tribe – A group of people living in the same region under a shared leader