KS2 History is Easy: Romans in Britain · 2018. 2. 27. · Romans in Britain (KS1 and KS2) . 457158 As part of this product you have also received FREE access to 100s of interactive

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Romans in Britain (KS1 and KS2)

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CONTENTS

The New National Curriculum – Guidance for parents ......... 7

Introducing the Romans .................................................................. 11• Who were the Romans? ................................................................. 13

• Romulus and Remus ...................................................................... 19

• From Republic to Emperor ............................................................. 34

• Life in Ancient Rome ...................................................................... 52

• The Empire and its military might ................................................... 67

Julius Caesar and Britain ................................................................ 75• Iron Age Britain ............................................................................... 77

• Caesar’s First Invasion of Britain .................................................... 84

• Caesar Tries Again .......................................................................... 92

Claudius and Britain .......................................................................... 97• Emperor Claudius ........................................................................... 99

• Claudius’s Campaign .................................................................... 100

Celtic Resistance ............................................................................. 107• Boudicca ...................................................................................... 109

• What the Resistance Meant for Roman Britain ............................. 115

• Scotland Says No ......................................................................... 116

How the Romans Changed Britain ............................................ 121• Changing British Life and Culture ................................................. 123

• Roads and Technology ................................................................. 129

• Rome’s Legacy in Britain .............................................................. 137

Mock Tests ......................................................................................... 139

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History is Easy: Roman Britain (KS1 and KS2)6

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7The New National Curriculum – Guidance for parents

THE NEW NATIONAL CURRICULUM (Guidance for Parents)

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WHY CHILDREN ARE TAUGHT HISTORY IN SCHOOLS

History is part of the primary syllabus. Studying history gives children an introduction to the major events which have shaped Britain, and provides them with a better understanding of historical global relations. The aim of the subject is to inspire a deeper curiosity for how society has changed over the course of time.

WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF THE HISTORY SYLLABUS?

The syllabus provides children with:

• An understanding of British history as a chronological narrative from ancient times to the present day, focusing on how the British people as a whole have been influenced by the rest of the world, and indeed, how they have made their own influence felt.

• An understanding of the essential events and features of the history of the world as a whole, focusing on the earliest civilisations, most powerful empires, and the ways in which humanity has succeeded and failed.

• A wide historical vocabulary and an understanding of wider terms and concepts such as ‘civilisation’ and ‘society’.

• An introduction to wider historical concepts such as: continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference, and significance; and how to use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically valid questions, and create their own structured accounts, including written narratives and analysis.

• An understanding of the importance of evidence when putting forward historical opinions. This also includes thinking about why some people interpret events or facts differently.

• An introduction to historical perspective by considering contexts such as locations, economics, politics, religion, and key points in time.

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9The New National Curriculum – Guidance for parents

Key Stage 1

Below we have outlined specific criteria that should be considered when studying the History subject at Key Stage 1.

Pupils should:• Develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases

to describe the passage of time.

• Know where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework, and identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods.

• Use a wide vocabulary of everyday historical terms.

• Ask and answer questions, choosing and using parts of stories and other sources to show that they know and understand key features of events.

• Understand some of the ways in which we find out about the past and identify different ways in which it is represented.

Key focuses• Changes in national life within living memory.

• Historical events beyond living memory with national and/or international significance.

• The lives of significant individuals who have contributed to significant achievements.

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Key Stage 2

Below we have outlined specific criteria that should be considered when studying the History subject at Key Stage 2.

Pupils should:• Continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and

understanding of local, British, and world history.

• Establish clear narratives within and across the studied historical periods.

• Note connections, contrasts, and trends over time and develop the appropriate use of historical terms.

• Address questions about change, cause, similarity, difference, and significance.

• Construct informed responses that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information.

• Understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.

Key focuses• Changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age.

• The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain.

• Britain’s settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots.

• The Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England, up to the time of Edward the Confessor.

• A local history study (this will of course vary from school to school.)

• A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066. (E.g. the changing power of monarchs – using case studies such as John, Anne, and Victoria.)

• The achievements of the earliest civilisations, such as Ancient Egypt or Ancient China.

• Ancient Greece, its achievements, and its influence on the western world.

• A non-European society that provides contrasts with British history, such as early Islamic civilisation, or the Mayan civilisation.

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11Introducing the Romans

INTRODUCINGTHE ROMANS

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INTRODUCTION TO THE ROMANS

Before we start looking at what the Romans did in Britain, we need to look at the Empire itself.

These are the questions whose answers will help us understand how and why the Romans did what they did when they conquered Britain, so let’s get started!

WELCOME, SOLDIERS!CHAPTER CONTENTS

My name is Atticus, and I am going to talk to you about all things Roman!

1. Who were the Romans?2. Romulus and Remus3. The Legendary Kings 4. The Roman Republic5. The Fall of the Republic6. Pompey, Caesar and the Roman

Empire 7. Everyday Life in Ancient Rome8. Gladiators 9. The Empire and its Military Might

How did it start?

How was it ruled?

How was its army so good?

What was life like for its people?

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WHO WERE THE ROMANS?

Ancient Rome was an amazing civilisation which lasted for over 1000 years – from around 750 BC (Before Christ – who we say was born in the year 0) to the year 476 (around 1500 years ago).

During this time, the Romans were responsible for huge amounts of political progress and technological development, thinking of many ideas and inventions that we still use today!

WHAT WERE ROMAN PEOPLE LIKE?However, the Romans did have a ruthless and barbaric side to them.

They enslaved thousands and had a love of blood sports like GLADIATOR FIGHTING!

What’s more, the famous Roman army was the most ruthless killing machine the world had ever seen.

The Roman Empire became one of the LARGEST

and STRONGEST empires in history.

ROME is a city in Italy.

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THE ROMAN ARMYIts capital, Rome, (now the capital of Italy) was able to control this area for approximately 500 years, using its incredibly strong army to enforce its will.

This army was so successful, that the main reason for the fall of the Roman Empire is that it took over too much land and became too big to rule over!

THE ROMAN GOVERNMENTBefore the Romans had an empire, they had a fairly efficient system of government! The system of senators and governors inspired the democracies seen in many countries today.

At the peak of its powers, the Romans controlled most of Western and Central Europe, including large parts of North Africa and the Middle East. They were able to take over this land by invading and defeating other powers.

Romans controlled most of Western and Central Europe, including large parts of North Africa and the Middle East.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Answer these true/false questions:

I. Ancient Rome first had a system of government with politicians, and then was ruled by emperors.

II. The Romans were only a force for good.

III. The Roman Empire only spanned modern Europe.

IV. The Roman Army was very important in maintaining control of the Empire.

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QUESTION 2

Mark (as closely as you can) where the city of Rome is on this map.

QUESTION 3

Why do you think that gladiator fighting is called a ‘blood sport’?

QUESTION 4

Draw yourself as a Roman. What do you think you would look like?

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ANSWERS

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Q1.

I. True

II. False

III. False

IV. True

QUESTION 2

QUESTION 3

A ‘blood sport’ is a competitive sport in which people get hurt or blood is spilled! More than accurate for gladiator battles.

QUESTION 4

Show someone your drawing! Did they like it?

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ROMULUS AND REMUS

WHO FOUNDED ROME?This question is most often answered with the story of Romulus (ROM-YOU-LOUS) and Remus (REEM-OUS), which is Rome’s best-loved legendary tale.

This is how it goes...

ORIGINS AND BIRTH:Romulus and Remus were twin boys born in an ancient city near where Rome now stands.

Their mother was a princess in this city, and their father was Mars, the Roman god of war.

Because of their father, Romulus and Remus’s uncle (the king) feared that the boys would seize power from him when they grew up.

So, he ordered them to be sent down the River Tiber in a basket, in an attempt to get rid of them forever.

MIRACULOUS RESCUE:However, the basket washed up on a riverbank at the future site of Rome, where the boys were found by a she-wolf – an animal sacred to their father.

What things do you think of when you think about Rome?

Romulus and Remus were looked after by a she-wolf.

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The she-wolf looked after Romulus and Remus, while a woodpecker (also sacred to Mars) found food for them to eat.

RETURN HOME:Eventually, the boys were found by a shepherd, who took them in and raised them with his wife.

As the boys grew up, they showed great fighting and leadership skills, and eventually discovered their true origins.

After they did so, they returned to the city they were born to take revenge on their uncle.

They defeated him in battle, and their grandfather (the rightful king) took back his throne. Next, they decided to start their own city!

DISAGREEMENT:Romulus and Remus travelled to the future site of Rome and started to plan where they would build their city.

While they agreed that they should construct the city on one of the seven hills in the area, they had different ideas about which hill they should choose.

Romulus and Remus wanted revenge!

Romulus and Remus did not agree on which hill to build

their new city on!

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ROMULUS VS. REMUS:They could not reach a compromise, so they each began building their own cities on their separate hills. The first thing Romulus wanted to do was construct a wall that would serve to protect his city.

But, Remus mocked him for doing so, and made a show of jumping over Romulus’s wall to insult him.

This enraged Romulus, who killed his brother in a moment of madness.

ESTABLISHING ROME:While Romulus was later sad and regretted what he had done, he continued building his city on his hill, which he named ‘Rome’, after himself.

Under his control, the city grew and grew, until he eventually declared himself the first king of Rome. Romulus’s rule saw Rome hugely expand its territory, wealth, and power.

Romulus killed Remus!

Romulus named his city ‘Rome’ and declared himself king.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Below is a paragraph about Romulus and Remus. But, there are some words missing! Using the answers in the box below, fill in the gaps correctly.

As the legend goes, Romulus and Remus were the son of Mars,

the Roman god of . As new-borns,

they were abandoned on the River , in

an attempt to get rid of them forever. But, their lives were

saved by a who gave them milk, and a

who found food for them.

woodpecker wolf

Tiber war

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QUESTION 2

Why was the name ‘Rome’ chosen?

QUESTION 3

Draw a picture to represent Romulus’s emotions following the death of his brother.

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

As the legend goes, Romulus and Remus were the son of Mars,

the Roman god of WAR. As new-borns, they were abandoned on

the River TIBER, in an attempt to get rid of them forever. But,

their lives were saved by a WOLF who gave them milk, and a

WOODPECKER who found food for them.

QUESTION 2

Romulus chose the name ‘Rome’ for his city so it would have the same name as him!

QUESTION 3


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THE LEGENDARY KINGS

Ancient Rome was a special civilisation, in that it saw many different types of leadership and rule.

Throughout this period, Rome saw everything from kings, to a government, to emperors.

You might immediately think of emperors when discussing ancient Rome, but there were hundreds of years of kings’ rule and republicanism even before the empire started.

THE SEVEN KINGS OF ROME – 244 YEARS

(753 BC – 509 BC)Before Ancient Rome had an empire or a government, it had seven legendary kings, of which Romulus was the first.

This ancient kingdom of Rome lasted for about 250 years, and saw huge changes in the city.

During this time, Rome grew rapidly, becoming rich and powerful.

See below for a fact-file on each of Rome’s seven kings!

Ancient Rome saw many changes across the years,

especially in relation to leadership and rule.

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KING 1 - ROMULUS

• As the founder of the city, Romulus declared himself the first king of Rome.

• His first task as king was finding some subjects, as very few people lived in his city at the start!

• To fix this, he invited the leaders of the surrounding towns and villages to send their most undesirable citizens to Rome.

• Soon the city was bustling, even if it was with thieves and troublemakers.

• Romulus then divided his citizens into two groups – those who could fight, and those who could not.

• Out of those who could not fight, Romulus chose the most suitable few and formed the Senate – a sort of government to assist the king – although Romulus had absolute power.

• The citizens who could fight formed the first Roman army, which Romulus used for many successful war campaigns in his 40 years of rule.

KING 2 – NUMA POMPILIUS (NOO-MA POM-PIL-E-US)

• The reign of the second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius, was a peaceful and religious one.

• During his 43 year rule, Numa constructed many sacred temples, and did much to enshrine the belief and worship of many Gods that would become the Roman tradition.

• This included introducing the earliest religious ceremonies and holy artefacts.

• Numa was a very well-respected king whose wisdom and peace efforts were long revered.

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KING 3 – TULLIUS HOSTILIUS (TUL-E-OUS HOS-TIL-E-US)

• The next king, Tullius Hositilius, had a very different style of leadership to his predecessor.

• Unlike Numa Pompilius, the focus of Tullius’s reign, which lasted 32 years, was on war and expanding Rome’s territory.

• His biggest success was when he conquered the nearby ancient city of Alba Longa (where Romulus was said to have been born).

• This was important because Alba Longa was an ancient and influential city, so a Roman victory showed how powerful they had become, and in such a short space of time.

KING 4 – ANCUS MARCIUS (AN-COUS MAR-SEE-US)

• Tullius’s successor again changed Rome’s priorities.

• Ancus Marcius, Rome’s fourth legendary king, focused on trade and making Rome an economic power.

• Ancus also oversaw a huge growth in Rome’s size and territory, including taking over sea ports for international trade.

KING 5 – TARQUINIUS PRISCUS (TAR-QUIN-E-OUS PRIS-KUS)

• By the time of Tarquinius Priscus’s reign, Rome was a major power in what we now call Europe.

• Tarquinius reigned for around 40 years, and is most remembered for increasing the senate by 100 members, and constructing the Circus Maximus where chariot races were held! In another sporting move, Tarquinius established the public games.

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KING 6 – SERVIUS TULLIUS (SERV-E-OUS TUL-E-US)

• Servius Tullius ruled for about 45 years, during which time he led a number of successful military campaigns.

• This made Rome even more rich and influential. In addition to this, Servius built many holy temples in an attempt to make Rome one of Europe’s spiritual hubs.

• However, Servius’s most lasting legacy was arguably the huge wall he constructed around the 7 hills of Rome.

• It was called the Servian Wall, after himself.

KING 7 – TARQUINIUS SUPERBUS (TAR-QUIN-E-OUS PRIS-KUS)

• The last of the legendary seven kings was named Tarquinius Superbus.

• It was Tarquinius who brought an end to the previous king’s reign by plotting against him and having him killed!

• He managed to take the throne for himself, but he was not very popular with the Roman people; he was a cruel and ruthless tyrant.

• This was made worse when Tarquinius began to undo some of the good work of previous kings, which included the demolition of sacred temples.

THE END OF THE ANCIENT ROMAN KINGDOM Although his reign lasted around 25 years, Tarquinius eventually became so unpopular that the citizens of Rome staged a revolt!

They managed to overthrow the bloodthirsty king, and set up their own political system – a system of government with no king!

This was the start of the Roman Republic.

Can you remember the names of the seven kings of Rome?

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Kings of Rome are referred to as ‘the 7 legendary kings?’ What does this word ‘legendary’ mean?

QUESTION 2

Which king do you think did the best work as ruler?

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QUESTION 3

Atticus needs your help. He is trying to find the words to fill in the crossword below. Can you come to his rescue?

ACROSS DOWN

3. Introduced religion

6. Built the Servian wall

7. The founder of Rome

1. First Roman conqueror

2. Built the Circus Maximus

4. Focused on trade

5. Was overthrown – sparking the start of the Republic

ACROSS

3. Introduced religion

6. Built the Servian wall

7. The founder of Rome

DOWN

1. First Roman conqueror

2. Built the Circus Maximus

4. Focused on trade

5. Was overthrown – sparking the start of the Republic

1 2

6

5

7

3 4

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

When used in this way, the word ‘legendary’ means that no one knows whether the kings existed or not: they were said to exist before Romans started recording history! Their supposed deeds were passed on from generation to generation through storytelling.

QUESTION 2

Your favourite king is matter of personal opinion: think about what you find most important out of the economy, architecture, and politics.

QUESTION 3

ACROSS

3. Introduced religion: Numa

6. Built the Servian wall: Servius

7. The founder of Rome: Romulus

DOWN

1. First Roman conqueror: Tullius

2. Built the Circus Maximus: Priscus

4. Focused on trade: Ancus

5. Was overthrown – sparking the start of the Republic: Superbus

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THE ROMAN REPUBLIC – 482 YEARS(509 BC – 27 BC)

Once it was established, the Roman Republic lasted for 500 years.

It was an efficient form of government, and one of the most successful early republics anywhere in the world. It ensured that Rome was not led by one all-powerful ruler, but by a system of elected officials who could pass laws, control taxes, and start wars.

Although previous kings had put senators in place, these senators were only advisory and had no real power. Now, in the Republic, senators were extremely important.

See below for a breakdown of the structure of the Republic!

Consuls

Citizen Assembly

Senators Tribunes

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THE CONSULS

The Consuls were the two most powerful men in the republic, who had the power to pass laws into existence, control tax rates, and start wars. There were always two men to ensure no one man could seize power. Also, a Consul could only serve for one year.

THE SENATORS

The Senators were a group made up of the same type of noblemen that used to advise the ancient kings. Once elected, they stayed in their positions for life, and had large influence on the Consuls, who tended to act on the advice of this esteemed group.

THE TRIBUNES

The Tribunes were an elected group who represented the Citizen Assembly, which was made up of the common folk! This chamber collaborated with the Senate to create public laws, and could veto any laws created by the Senate.

THE CITIZEN ASSEMBLY

The Citizen Assembly was formed of all ‘citizens’ of Rome. While this seems extremely inclusive, during this time only certain men were classed as ‘citizens’. Women, poor people and slaves were not allowed to contribute to democracy. The only foreigners who counted as citizens were ex-soldiers – it was possible to win citizenship through military service.

GROWING ROME DURING THE REPUBLIC During the half-century of the Republic, Rome saw the land under its control expand hugely. The consuls were often able to persuade nearby people to volunteer their land and armies to Rome in return for gold, although they were not afraid of taking land by force.

For example, they had nearly a century of war with their great rivals in North Africa, the Republic of Carthage.

Romans ploughed salt into earth at Carthage to make sure no

plants or products could grow.

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This conflict was known as the Punic Wars, the conclusion to which (in 149 BC) saw Rome victorious and Carthage burned to the ground. The legend goes that the Romans even ploughed salt into the earth at Carthage to ensure that no plants could ever grow there again.

As a result of this expansion, the Romans had control of a huge amount of land surrounding the Mediterranean.

They would soon run into problems with governing this

land – there was almost too much to rule over!

Life in the RepublicRome’s military successes, overseen by the senators, brought huge riches and power to its elite class. Inspired by the Greeks, the noble class lived in ornate homes, had lavish banquets, and enjoyed arts and culture.

The emergence of this rich class saw a huge wealth gap develop. Slaves and labourers were taken advantage of more and more by greedy landowners who wanted to show off with houses and art.

Despite this, the Romans did begin to excel in engineering and infrastructure (roads and transport).

For example, public buildings such as bathhouses, roads and sculptures – all of which would come to define the Empire – had their foundation during the Republic.

The Romans had taken so much land, they struggled to rule over

all of it.

Rome has many historical buildings and sculptures

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Find the following words in the wordsearch below.

Citizen Consul Republic Senator Tribune Women

QUESTION 2

How do you imagine that women and slaves at the time felt about being excluded from politics that controlled their lives?

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 2

You could talk about how slaves and women would have felt a sense of injustice about being excluded from everyday politics. However, you could argue that they were powerless to do anything about it so accepted the situation.

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THE FALL OF THE REPUBLIC

While it was a forward-thinking and revelatory system, the republic of Ancient Rome did not last forever. By 59 BC, a small number of influential citizens – including Julius Caesar (JOOL-E-OUS SEE-ZERR) – plotted for total power. The first step towards the formation of an empire (ruled by an emperor) had been taken.

Julius Caesar and the Falling Power of the RepublicJulius Caesar was born in Rome in 100 BC, into a well-known and respected family. Although he wasn’t especially rich, he was able to progress politically within the Republic, working his way up and standing in several different

positions.

He even made it to the Consul, with the help of two very powerful (if uneasy) allies, fellow politicians Pompey and Crassus.

The three made up the ‘First Triumvirate’ (TRY-UM-VIH-RUHT) or ‘Gang of Three’, who agreed to pool their money and influence in order to conspire for power against

the Republic.

However, this did not really mean they were friends, as jealousy and mistrust beleaguered this relationship, which was formed purely for professional reasons.

Caesar, Pompey and Crassus made up the ‘First Triumvirate’ or the ‘Gang of Three’.

Julius Caesar conspired against the Republic.

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Through war, he conquered huge amounts of land, even managing to take Gaul for Rome. ‘Gaul’ is what we would call France today!

This made him very popular among the Roman people, although members of the Senate were concerned that he was becoming too powerful. Even his ‘ally’, Pompey, shared this fear.

So, Pompey took advantage of Caesar’s absence in Rome by spreading a mistrust of him in the Senate, strengthening his own position.

In 53 BC, the third member of the Gang of Three – Crassus – was killed in a battle in the East. This represented the death of the First Triumvirate, as the only thing keeping Caesar and Pompey from a fight in the first place was the influence of Crassus.

With him gone, Pompey and Caesar – the two most powerful men in Rome – saw the chance to claim total control of the country.

At this point, the only thing that was certain was that they could never be allies again.

Julius Caesar is considered a very successful military figure.

Crassus was killed in battle, which meant Pompey and Caesar

had total control of Rome.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Write down some words you would use to describe Julius Caesar.

QUESTION 2

How do you think the senators felt about someone trying to take power for themselves?

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

Words to describe Julius Caesar (depending on your opinion):

Smart, determined, ruthless, scheming, dangerous, harmful.

QUESTION 2

The Senators were most likely very mistrustful or even fearful of someone trying to take power. Many would have been outraged that someone was threatening the Republic which had lasted for around 500 years.

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POMPEY, CAESAR AND THE ROMAN EMPIRE

Caesar vs. Pompey!

POWER STRUGGLEAt this point, Pompey had the support of the Senate to take the position of sole Consul, a previously unheard of position that would allow him to wield dictator-like power. This meant that he had control of the Roman standing army.

Then, in 50 BC, Pompey and the Senate stripped Caesar of his title of Consul and ordered him to surrender control of his ten legions; they had become too fearful of his military prowess and popularity among the Roman people.

But, Caesar refused, realising that giving his army away would ruin his societal status forever. Eventually, he decided that he had two options.

The first: surrender to Pompey and live as an outcast, or even be put to death.

The second: use his outstanding army to take Rome himself, where he was popular enough to govern as sole Consul (dictator).

Unsurprisingly, he chose the second!

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Civil WarIn early 49 BC, Julius Caesar and his army marched on Rome. Famously, he had to cross the Rubicon (ROO-BIH-CON) River on his journey towards the capital. This was important because the river represented the official boundary between Gaul and Rome. Caesar knew that crossing this boundary as an enemy, with an army in tow, was an act of war. There was no going back.

Meanwhile, the Senate had assumed that the Roman public, as well as the army, would rise in support of their rulers. However, they had massively underestimated just how popular and influential Caesar was. His huge military successes and captivating public image meant that he won the support of the people, who chose him over the ruling Senate.

As a result, Pompey could not raise a good enough army of his own, and was forced to flee Rome to regroup.

A series of battles ensued, with Caesar gradually defeating what forces Pompey had as he hastily travelled the continent seeking support. With Pompey close to defeat, the Senate voted for Caesar to become sole Consul. He had prevailed.

Finally, in 48 BC, Pompey was killed. After putting an end to some ongoing campaigns in Spain and Egypt (where he met Cleopatra) Caesar returned to Rome to rule as dictator. The Roman Republic was over.

Julius Caesar took his army across the border

to defeat Pompey.

Caesar defeated the army that Pompey

had created!

Pompey was killed!

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CAESAR’S REIGNCaesar’s position as ‘dictator for life’ only lasted for 5 years. This is because he was very famously assassinated in 44 BC (more on that later!)

However, he did manage to achieve some meaningful things while he was in charge, including improving the economy and working to establish Rome as a major city by ordering the construction of libraries, temples, and art galleries. He also attempted to conquer Britain.

Turn to page 84 to find out more

However, at the same time, Caesar was alienating the Senate, which at this point had very little power. Senators were mistrustful of his king-like status, and offended that he ordered coins to be made bearing his image – only gods had appeared on coins up to then. Caesar was living dangerously.

CAESAR’S ASSASSINATIONOn the 14th March, 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by a group of Senators who had lured him to the meeting room and distracted his allies.

Armed with daggers, the conspirators surrounded him, leaving him with no chance of escape while they attacked. The great general had been slain.

The Senators had hoped that with Caesar gone, they could re-establish the Republic as it once was.

But, the events of this day threw Rome into unimaginable turmoil, and ten years of civil war.

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The chance of democracy gone, two leaders emerged as favourites to claim power: Mark Antony and Octavian (OCK-TAY-VEE-UN). Mark Antony was Caesar’s ally who had served as Consul with him, and Octavian was Caesar’s nephew and heir.

THE FIRST ROMAN EMPERORSomething of a power struggle emerged, and Mark Antony and Octavian initially joined forces and defeated those who had conspired against Caesar. However, this uneasy alliance was not to last, as they eventually found themselves on either side of yet another Roman civil war.

The final battle of this civil war saw Mark Antony, who had allied himself with the forces of Egypt and Cleopatra, defeated and killed by Octavian.

By this point, Mark Antony had fallen out of favour with the Roman public, so Octavian returned to Rome a hero, and as sole leader. As leader, he took the name Augustus (OR-GUST-UHSS) in order to mark the new era not only in his life but for all of Rome. The country finally saw peace once more.

THE ROMAN EMPIREWhile Augustus (previously Octavian) never took the title himself, he is widely regarded as being the first emperor of Rome.

This is because he managed to change the political system to take full control, although he did

so while pretending the people still had a vote. Augustus was careful not to name himself as dictator as Caesar had done; it had cost the old general his life!

Augustus had established a system of monarchy which granted the emperor power for life. The Roman Empire, which would last for nearly 500 years, had begun. Let’s have a look at what life was like for people during the Roman Empire.

Mark Anthony was killed by Octavian.

Octavian was considered a hero,

and took the name of ‘Augustus’ to mark a new

beginning for Rome.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Do you think the Senators made the right decision when they killed Caesar?

QUESTION 2

If you were an ordinary Roman citizen at the time of Caesar’s assassination, would you have been hopeful for the future?

QUESTION 3

Mark Anthony made a mistake allying himself with a foreign ruler (Cleopatra). How could Augustus use this to convince the public that he was the right Roman to support?

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

You could talk about how you think that it’s never okay to kill, even if it’s for something you believe in. You could also talk about how it was a poor political move; it plunged Rome into chaos.

QUESTION 2

Use your imagination for this one! You could talk about your excitement at the beginning of a new chapter in Roman history, or your fear of life after the Republic.

QUESTION 3

Augustus could claim that Mark Anthony was a traitor of Rome for allying with Cleopatra. He could say that he was fighting for the Roman people, not against them. The Romans were proud of their nationality, so think about how Mark Anthony looked by choosing to fight with a foreign army.

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EVERYDAY LIFE IN ANCIENT ROME

Society in the Roman Empire was still heavily class-based, with the emperor at the top and slaves at the bottom. Slaves had no rights, and were seen as property. Also, women had many fewer rights than their male counterparts.

However, despite the huge social inequality, there were some aspects of Roman society that all Romans shared in common.

DAILY ROUTINEThe Romans were early risers. Those who could afford it ate a breakfast of bread, water, and wine! It was commonplace for Romans to drink wine throughout the day.

Men and boys went to work and school while women and girls stayed at home; only the most upper class girls were able to receive an education. Most men worked as farmers, builders, and soldiers, while the best educated became doctors, lawyers, and teachers. Everyone had to pay some form of tax to the emperor, which was used to build public buildings and fund the army.

Romans placed huge importance on free time, so people only worked until about midday. Again, however, only the fairly well-off could afford to do this. Those who could afford to take time off had most of the afternoon to themselves, to spend with their families and unwind.

Turn on to the next page to see what fun things the

Romans got up to!

Men and women had different roles and rights during the Ancient Roman times.

Class, wealth and gender were key aspects of life as a Roman!

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FREE TIME – THE BATHSThe Romans’ favourite pastime was bathing! However, Roman Baths weren’t like baths we have today – they were huge complexes that were like a cross between a swimming pool and a spa.

People didn’t just go there to clean themselves up though; the baths represented the main social hubs of the city.

Romans of all ages and classes gathered there to socialise with friends and family. The baths were also how Romans kept clean!

Mainly though, they were a place to relax, read, and chat. Most Romans probably spent some time there every day.

They were massively popular – by the end of Augustus’s reign, there were over 150 baths in Rome alone.

Roman baths were a cross between a swimming pool and a spa!

A lovely place to relax, don’t you think?

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RELIGION

A God for Everything!

The first Romans worshipped many gods. This was inspired by the Greek style of worship, which they wanted to copy. Generally, the early Romans were inspired by classical Greek society and wanted to be like them.

Having a similar religion was one way they did this.

Here are a few of the gods that the Romans worshipped, each representing a different idea or theme:

Jupiter: King of the godsNeptune: God of the seaVenus: Goddess of loveMinerva: Goddess of wisdomMars: God of warBacchus: God of wine

These gods meant different things to different people, and kings, senators, and emperors chose to construct temples in honour of their favourite ones, or to please the population of the time. Families also had their own gods who they made offers to and asked to protect their households.

This style of worship was the one that most Romans carried out for many centuries. While a certain religion called Christianity had been growing in influence all the while, it did not become the official religion of Ancient Rome until around the year 400.

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EVENTUAL MOVE TO CHRISTIANITYThis switch from worshipping many gods to the one Christian god was not a smooth one. Many of the last emperors who believed in the old gods did not like the fact that many of their subjects were turning away from their traditional views. This often led to prominent Christians being arrested and even killed.

However, an emperor called Constantine (CON-STUN-TEEN) was the first to make this persecution of Christians illegal, and make Christianity the official religion of the Empire in the year 380. Over the next few hundred years, those who still worshipped the old gods were often arrested and killed by the Christians in power.

The Romans spread the practice of Christianity throughout the Empire, and soon it became the biggest religion in what would become Europe. This is why we call their branch of Christianity Roman Catholicism.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Draw a picture of what you think the Roman god Neptune would look like:

QUESTION 2

When they adopted it, the Romans were very good at spreading Christianity. Why do you think this was?

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1


QUESTION 2

The Romans were so good at spreading Christianity because they were efficient rulers of a wide empire. Roman governors in each location acted out the will of the emperor, so Christianity was introduced to huge amounts of people in a short space of time.

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GLADIATORS

As you will know, an extremely popular form of Roman entertainment was watching gladiator fights!

People would pack out arenas across the Empire to watch slaves, prisoners and even volunteers fight each other to the death. The emperor would even attend the biggest fights.

Such events show that for all the Romans’s love of high culture, technological advancements, and sophisticated education, people from all classes had a thirst for the needless spilling of blood!

Gladiator fighting was a popular sport in Ancient Roman times.

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WHO WERE THE GLADIATORS?The first gladiators were all slaves, who were either forced to fight or did so due to the promise of freedom if they were very successful. In some ways, gladiators were looked after better than most slaves.

For example, they were fed well and had access to excellent medical care. Also, they were taught to fight in gladiator schools – paid for by wealthy sponsors – who would make money if their fighters did well.

However, some gladiators were not slaves, and volunteered to fight in the hope that they would become rich and famous.

Gladiators were usually slaves who were forced to fight, or did so with the hope of

being freed from slavery.

Fighters with many victories under their belts became well-known and popular, and crowds became frenzied while watching them fight. Think how fans in a football stadium react when their favourite player scores a goal – that is what the Roman spectators did when someone was killed!

Sometimes, to hype the crowd up, organisers would execute criminals before the fighting began. To make it as dramatic as possible, they would often feed them to lions and tigers! Also, animals would occasionally be released during the fight itself, much to the delight of the spectators.

Tough crowd…

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GLADIATOR STYLES

Different gladiators were equipped with different weapons and armour (or lack thereof!). This meant that fighters fell into specific classes that were deliberately pitted against each other for maximum entertainment.

Here are a few of those classes:

MURMILLO (MER-MIL-O)

These gladiators were armed with a short sword and carried a rectangular shield. They also wore a full-face helmet and arm and shin pads.

RETIARIUS (RET-E-R-E-US)

This fighter was named after the net which they wielded, used to try to trap opponents. Also, they held a three-pointed trident and dagger.

LAQUERIUS (LA-KWHERE-E-US)

A Laquerius gladiator fought with a lasso/whip like weapon, and also wielded an extremely sharp and thin sword.

VELITES (VEL-IH-TEEZ)

This gladiator carried a spear, which they used to stab opponents. Velites did not wear armour, so they relied on speed and skill.

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CHARIOT RACINGThe colosseums (where the gladiators held their battles) also hosted chariot races! These were also very popular events, with up to 350,000 spectators being able to fit into the Circus Maximus in Rome.

These racers would ride in laps around the arena, either competing alone or in teams. In Rome, there were four main teams of racers:

• the whites;• the greens;• the blues;• the reds.

Does this remind you of anything that people do today?

Slaves and emperors alike would passionately support a certain team, and shout the names of riders and their horses as the races went on.

The races were dangerous for the riders. Accidents were frequent, caused by racers crashing into the colosseum walls or each other.

On the final lap, rivals would try to ‘shipwreck’ each other by smashing in to them and aiming to break their wheels.

Like the gladiators, most charioteers were slaves.

Do you think you could of handled life as a Roman?

What do you think of the sporting activities they use to get up to?

What do you think makes a good gladiator or chariot racer?

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Write down some emotions you think that gladiators would be feeling before a fight:

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QUESTION 2

QUESTION 3

Name two ways that Ancient Roman chariot racing is similar to modern sporting events:

ACROSS

3. Often executed in the arena before the main event

7. Wielded a short sword and rectangular shield

8. Paid to train gladiators in the hope they would become rich

DOWN

1. Fought with a thin sword and lasso

2. These (sometimes lions and tigers) were released into the arena to build excitement

4. Tried to catch opponents in their net and stab them with their trident

5. Only carried a spear

6. The most powerful man in Rome - still enjoyed watching the fights

5

8

21

7

6

3 4

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

You could say gladiators would feel:

Terrified, angry, hopeless, determined, ruthless.

…before a fight.

QUESTION 2

ACROSS

3. Often executed in the arena before the main events: Criminals

7. Wielded a short sword and rectangular shield: Murmillo

8. Paid to train gladiators in the hope they would become rich: Sponsors

DOWN

1. Fought with a thin sword and lasso: Laquerius

2. These (sometimes lions and tigers) were released into the arena to build excitement: Animals

4. Tried to catch opponents in their net and stab them with their trident: Retiarius

5. Only carried a spear: Velites

6. The most powerful man in Rome – still enjoyed watching the fights: Emperor

QUESTION 3

Similarities between chariot racing and modern sport:

People fill stadiums to watch, people shout during the sport, people support certain people/teams, people still race horses today.

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THE EMPIRE AND ITS MILITARY MIGHT

One of the main reasons that the Roman Empire was able to grow so big was the fact that its army was unstoppable. What made it unstoppable was its excellent organisation and sheer ruthlessness.

The Roman Legion claimed huge amounts of land for the Empire by taking it using force and violence. Sometimes, however, they could take land peacefully through sheer intimidation.

LIFE AS A SOLDIERSoldiers were armed with a spear, sword, and dagger, with which they were experts at killing thanks to punishing training regimes.

They also held heavy shields, which were large enough to provide them with great protection. These shields were also curved, in order to cover their sides and deflect anything launched at them.

However, it was the organisation of the Roman Legion that really gave it its edge. Here is the structure:

30 legions in the Roman Army 150,000 soldiers10 cohorts in each legion 4,800 soldiers6 centuries in each legion 480 soldiers80 soldiers in each century 80 soldiers

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A R

om

an Legio

n

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PILUM (thrown at the enemy)

GLADIUS(sharp sword for stabbing)

GALEA (helmet for protection)

SCUTUM (shield for protection)

“Sparing the downtrodden and warring down the arrogant.”

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TESTUDO FORMATIONThe Testudo (TESS-TOO-DOH) (‘tortoise’ in Latin) formation is a great example of the cleverness and organisation of the Roman army.

This near-impenetrable formation was employed by the Romans when attacking a settlement and/or faced with archers.

The soldiers formed a barrier around themselves by locking their shields together at their front and above their heads.

This allowed them to get within close range of their enemies, where their superior Roman combat skills allowed them to overpower those they were attacking.

ROMAN NAVY

Roman warships played a vital part in their victorious conquests in Europe. Not only could their well-designed and well-built ships deliver goods to the soldiers on land, but they could attack enemy ports, transport soldiers to enemy locations, and defeat rival warships.

All in all, the Romans had access to very advanced ship technology, and they knew the naval strategy needed to be successful.

This, coupled with the best on-land fighting force in the world meant that no one could stand in their way for hundreds and hundreds of years.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

IRWMXFDDCKEZZNB

OAGOXHRXRWYSRCX

YEDYGBDFGWPUDXS

BANSVOXFZNOIPOC

OEQFZWHQAGRDGPK

SLKEPALQOVPAIQG

ZALBVPFVRKELVQC

IGEJSORKCLUGABW

JTDJDQWRQMBJSMS

PTCHDPJVNGXJFUI

GYDELITBHTRDXTT

MQLKXUPUBKLBZUR

GUEWODUTSETZKCE

MZLFPPWNWEDZTSJ

SGQWUNAWARSHIPC

PILUMGALEAGLADIUSSCUTUMTESTUDOWARSHIP

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QUESTION 2

Why was the Testudo formation named after a tortoise?

QUESTION 3

“The Romans could not have expanded their empire without their army as much as they did.” Do you agree?

QUESTION 4

Why was it important that the Romans had ships?

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

IRWMXFDDCKEZZNB

OAGOXHRXRWYSRCX

YEDYGBDFGWPUDXS

BANSVOXFZNOIPOC

OEQFZWHQAGRDGPK

SLKEPALQOVPAIQG

ZALBVPFVRKELVQC

IGEJSORKCLUGABW

JTDJDQWRQMBJSMS

PTCHDPJVNGXJFUI

GYDELITBHTRDXTT

MQLKXUPUBKLBZUR

GUEWODUTSETZKCE

MZLFPPWNWEDZTSJ

SGQWUNAWARSHIPC

PILUMGALEAGLADIUSSCUTUMTESTUDOWARSHIP

QUESTION 2

The Testudo formation was named after a tortoise because it involved the Roman soldiers raising their shields above their heads to look like a tortoise’s shell! This formation protected the soldiers as a shell protects a tortoise.

QUESTION 3

It is undoubtable that the Romans would not have been able to expand their empire as much as they did without their army. They could not only take land by force, but also cause people to surrender their land through sheer intimidation.

QUESTION 4

It was important that Romans had ships as it meant they could carry their land forces to places they could not otherwise reach to conquer land. They also saved huge amounts of time with ships – it could take much less time reaching some places by boat than it would on foot.

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75Julius Caesar and Britain

JULIUS CAESARAND BRITAIN

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JULIUS CAESAR AND BRITAIN

Now you have an overview of Ancient Rome as a whole, let’s get started with their dealings with Britain! A certain Julius Caesar was the first Roman to cast an imperialistic eye over the channel…

This chapter will run you through all of the great general’s business with Britain, or Britannia, as he called it, and its Iron Age population.

NICE TRY, JULIUS!CHAPTER CONTENTS

My name is Brian (the blacksmith) and I will guide you through all things Caesar and Britain.

1. Iron Age Britain2. Caesar’s First Invasion of

Britain3. Caesar Tries Again

Who is Julius Caesar?

Julius Caesar and his attempt to invade Britain

The Iron Age

Why is Caesar important to

British history?

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IRON AGE BRITAIN

Before we start talking about Iron Age Britain, try to remember the information you have already learned about Caesar and his

reign. See page 47

Caesar’s attempts to invade Britain mark the first official Roman campaigns on this as-yet-unconquered island.

Caesar saw a chance for even more fame and riches, and was desperate to add the island to Rome’s territory.

But, before he launched an attack, he needed an idea about what Britain was like at this time.

Keep reading for an overview of British society at this time!

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WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE IN IRON AGE BRITAIN?At the time of Caesar’s reign (around 45 BC) the Celts (KELTZ) in Britain lived in a far less advanced society than the Romans did.

The Celts, for example, did not identify themselves as belonging to a whole nation, which the Romans did. Rather, people in Iron Age Britain lived in tribes, which were ruled by chieftains and warrior kings and queens.

These tribes often fought amongst themselves for land and resources.

While they had learned to work and fight with metal tools, they had much simpler lives than Caesar and his opulent friends.

This is why it is called the Iron Age!

The largest tribes in Britain lived in impressive hill forts, forming communities of round houses with thatched rooves.

The hill forts were dug into the earth and looked like steep, giant staircases, to hinder any attackers.

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COULD THE CELTS FIGHT?Celtic warriors learned to fight from a very young age. Children trained with swords, spears, and even slingshots! Some tribal warriors covered themselves in mud and dyed clay to appear intimidating.

In addition to this, they would shout and blow trumpets to mark the start of a battle. The Romans hadn’t seen anything like it.

The Celts also knew how to use horses and chariots to cause chaos in battle, charging at their enemies and forcing them to scatter and break rank.

However, despite the tribes’ savagery and bravery, the well-drilled and organised Roman Army was a much more efficient killing machine. The Celtic warriors, while led by their king, had no official formations or hierarchy.

But, Caesar was about to find out just how much trouble the Celts (and the British weather) could cause! Keep reading for a run-through of the first Roman invasion of Britain.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Why is this period of British history called the Iron Age?

QUESTION 2

Imagine you are in a Celtic tribe and have been ordered to dig out a hill fort. You have no modern machines to help you! How do you feel?

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QUESTION 3

Draw your own picture of a Celtic warrior. Make him or her look fierce and brave.

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

This period of British history was called the Iron Age as people discovered how to combine materials to make metals! They would then use this metal to create weapons, tools, and supplies.

QUESTION 2

You may have felt very daunted if you were told to dig a hill fort by hand. Although it would have been an extremely hard task, completing it would ensure your family’s safety!

QUESTION 3


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CAESAR’S FIRST INVASION OF BRITAIN

THE ROMANS’ FIRST LANDINGSo, in 55 BC, Julius Caesar and his army landed in Britain.

As we have already read, this campaign was on the back of some great military success, and Caesar was now dictator of Rome.

On the day of the invasion, there was terrible weather and high waves, so the Roman ships had a tough time navigating the Channel. To make it worse, a local tribe had spotted the Romans from the top of the White Cliffs of Dover.

The tribal warriors followed the ships up and down the coast, howling at them and throwing javelins. As you might expect, the Romans were reluctant to engage them.

Eventually, the Romans found a flat stretch of shore on which they could enter Britain.

However, their heavy ships could not anchor right next to the land, because the water was much too shallow, and the water much too choppy.

The invasion was unsuccessful!

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INITIAL CLASHESThis meant that the Roman fleet was forced to anchor some distance from the land. The soldiers had to swim and wade through the freezing water to the coast! To make it worse, they were all equipped with heavy weaponry and armour, and the Celts, whom they called ‘Barbarians’, had not stopped launching javelins in their direction.

When the Romans finally reached the land, they engaged the Celtic warriors in battle, who were eventually forced to scatter. However, the Romans were unable to win decisively, as they were not backed up by their deadly cavalry forces, which had not yet arrived. They were forced to regroup and set up camp.

THE NEXT STAGE OF THE INVASION…Over the next few days, the leader of the local British tribe actually tried to make peace with the Romans, realising that they would be much too strong to resist in battle for any significant length of time.

However, Caesar refused and even took some Celt warriors as hostages, stalling for time while awaiting his all-important cavalrymen.

Caesar’s first landing in Britain was not

going to plan.

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So, after the Romans had been in Britain for a few days, their horsemen reinforcements were finally in sight off the Kentish coast. Caesar must have been relieved. However, this relief will have been short-lived, because a storm rolled in and blew them back to Gaul. Caesar must have been annoyed.

At this point, the Celts saw their chance to attack; the Romans were in a bad way as many of their ships had been wrecked. As a result, they had lost vital food and resources to the sea.

So, the Romans were forced to send scouts out to gather supplies. Seeing a chance to kick the Romans while they were down, tribal warriors performed a series of ambushes on these scouts, and readied themselves to mobilise against the base camp itself.

RETREATING CAESAR?However, the Roman standing army saw the attack coming, and was prepared to meet the tribal forces on an open battlefield – what they had wanted to do all along. The much more disciplined and well-equipped Romans were able to fend off the Celts, killing and wounding many.

Once more, however, the Romans were not able to win comfortably. While they were able to easily defend themselves against the ‘Barbarian’ forces, the conditions and lack of cavalry meant that they were unequipped to launch a campaign strong enough to wipe out the enemy or take any land.

For now, Caesar gave up and sailed back home. He was most likely dejected and embarrassed.

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Britain still remained unconquered.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Draw a cross at the approximate location of Caesar’s first landing:

QUESTION 2

The Romans were used to warm weather and calm seas. Why did this make their landing in Britain difficult?

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QUESTION 3

ACROSS

4. What the Romans called the Celts

5. The Celts dyed this and used it to paint their bodies

6. Where the White Cliffs in Kent are found

7. A surprise attack the Celts carried out on the Romans

DOWN

1. The Roman dictator who was desperate to conquer Britain 2. What the Celts threw at the Romans from the cliff edge

3. Roman soldiers on horseback who could not join Caesar in Britain

1 2 3

7

6

5

4

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

QUESTION 2

The Romans were totally unprepared for the cold weather and stormy seas that they came across when attacking Britain – Caesar was taken by surprise and many of his ships were destroyed.

QUESTION 3

ACROSS

4. What the Romans called the Celts: Barbarians

5. The Celts dyed this and used it to paint their bodies: Clay

6. Where the White Cliffs are found in Kent: Dover

7. A surprise attack the Celts carried out on the Romans: Ambush

DOWN

1. The Roman dictator who was desperate to conquer Britain: Caesar

2. What the Celts threw at the Romans from the cliff edge: Javelins

3. Roman soldiers on horseback who could not join Caesar in Britain: Cavalry

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CAESAR TRIES AGAIN

Just a year later, in 54 BC, Caesar and his men returned to Britain. This time, however, he had organised his forces much more thoroughly.

To prepare for this campaign, the Romans built hundreds of specially-designed ships to better cope with the stormy British weather and shallow Channel waters.

So, when the Romans appeared on their horizon this time, the Britons retreated. Understandably, the tribespeople were intimidated by the enormous armada that loomed many times larger than the fleet that had greeted them the previous year. This meant that the Romans could land set up camp peacefully, where they could draw up a clear plan for defeating the Celts and taking their land.

Once they had done so, Caesar and his army began their march into Celtic land.

Now Caesar was able to fight using his cavalry, the Romans’ initial advance could not be stopped. Very quickly, they conquered a Celtic stronghold and had local tribespeople on the ropes.

A ROMAN VICTORYHowever, just before he could continue his campaign, Caesar received news that yet another storm was raging on the coast, and a huge number of his ships had been destroyed.

As a response, he hastily sent out an order for more ships to be built, and sent some men back to the coast to assist with repairs.

In the time this took, some nearby Britons had regrouped and again launched an ambush strategy, similarly to what they had done the previous year.

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Serious fighting broke out as a result, but the Romans were able to completely subdue the Celts and shut down any resistance.

Caesar’s second landing in Rome was already deemed more successful than the last.

Local kings moved for peace, which Caesar granted them, even though no land had formally been claimed for Rome.

As far as Caesar saw, his aim of making up for the embarrassment of the previous year had been achieved. His victory had also made sure that the Celts never forgot who the Romans were.

So, at this time, the Romans decided that they had done all they could in Britain.

Also, Caesar had an uprising in Gaul to deal with, so they headed back to the Empire.

Before too long, however, they would be back – enter Emperor Claudius!

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Imagine you are Caesar on the brink of conquering Britain, and you hear news that you have to turn back due to even more stormy weather. How do you feel?

QUESTION 2

Imagine you were a Celt who saw both of Caesar’s invasions. How would you feel about the Romans as a people?

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

You could say that you would feel very frustrated and possibly embarrassed if you were Caesar having failed to make much progress in Britain, as he had known nothing but success in his past.

QUESTION 2

You could say that Celts who experienced both of Caesar’s invasions were fearful of the Romans, and unsure at what these strange and advanced people could do. Imagine being a tribesperson and seeing a Roman centurion in full armour!

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97Claudius and Britain

CLAUDIUS AND BRITAIN

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CLAUDIUS AND BRITAIN

So, now we have looked at the first Roman who landed in Britain – with mixed success. Although Caesar made a start, it was not until about 100 years later when Rome tried to take Britain again…

Now, let’s look at the Emperor who made it happen! Claudius (KLORD-E-US), the 4th Emperor of Rome, managed to conquer Britain and make it a part of the Empire.

IT’S ALL MINE!CHAPTER CONTENTS

My name is Claudius, and I am going to tell you all about myself!

1. Emperor Claudius2. Claudius’s Campaign

Who was Claudius?

How did Claudius conquer Britain?

What was Claudius’s campaign?

How was Claudius

successful?

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EMPEROR CLAUDIUS

Claudius, nephew of Emperor Tiberius, had a rather unusual route to power. The position of emperor was thrust upon him (in the year 41) after his predecessor, Gaius, was killed during a military revolution! While the army stormed the royal palace to overthrow Emperor Gaius, Claudius was found hiding behind a curtain.

Rather than killing him, the revolutionaries decided that Claudius would be an ideal person to install as emperor, perhaps hoping that they could control him.

So, at the age of 51, the sickly uncle who had been previously ridiculed and excluded by his family became ruler of Rome.

While he was backed by the army, he still needed to prove his worth to the people. Cleverer than most people thought; he had an idea. He was going to conquer Britain.

Since Caesar’s campaigns in Britain around a hundred years earlier, the Romans had been fascinated by the mysterious island they called Britannia, which meant ‘land of tin’.

As yet unconquered, Britain had become the ultimate prize in the eyes of the Romans, as it was famed for its plentiful

natural resources.

So, if he could pull it off, Claudius’s decision to invade Britain would make him extremely popular with senators and soldiers alike.

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CLAUDIUS’S CAMPAIGN

So, in the year 43, Claudius launched his first invasion of Britain. Learning from the experiences of Caesar, he made his military forces go through the most rigorous preparation they had ever done before.

A brand new fleet of ships was built, and specialists such as builders, doctors, and weapon-makers were trained for the journey.

CLAUDIUS’S WAR MACHINESAlso, this time, the Romans had a secret weapon. Claudius’s war machine, also called a ballista (BUH-LIST-UH), was a terrifying contraption capable of launching bolts and stones at extreme speed.

Naturally, it made short work of Celtic walls and indeed their warriors.

Also, Claudius brought war elephants to Britain! Taken from the east of the Empire, these huge creatures scared the Celts like nothing had ever scared them before – never in their lives had they ever seen anything like an elephant.

EARLY SUCCESSClaudius, leading the army himself, landed in modern Kent and quickly set off for a well-known tribal stronghold near where Colchester is now (Essex). Compared to what Caesar had faced, Claudius faced much less initial conflict and enjoyed early success.

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They aimed to defeat the dominant tribe in the area – the Catuvellauni (CAT-OO-VELL-OR-NEE). A great battle ensued, and the Romans claimed their first victory of the campaign. Claudius installed a Roman authority in the area, and returned to Rome receiving a hero’s welcome.

TAKING CONTROLAfter this important victory, the next task for Claudius’s representatives was to secure the area that they had conquered, and assert control. The way they did this was by forcing conquered Celt leaders to become puppet kings under the Empire.

This meant that on the surface, it seemed like the Celts were still ruling their own people, but in reality they were under the subjection of the Romans.

This was a very clever move from Claudius, as he knew that the Celts would be more likely to show loyalty to one of their own. This reduced the chance of a Celtic rebellion, and enforced the control of the Empire at the same time.

Claudius’s next move was to continue his march and take more land! His Roman force did just that, and by the year 47 around half of England was under Roman control. Much of the land was not even taken through violent means, as several Celtic kings had the good sense to surrender to the vastly superior Roman forces.

The Romans then began to instil their way of life onto the Celts, and construct roads and buildings as they had done throughout the empire.

We will focus on this Romanisation of Britain later in the book! (See page 122)

However, some tribes refused to submit.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Given his upbringing and background, are you surprised that it was Claudius who became Britain’s conqueror?

QUESTION 2

Name something that Claudius had for his invasion that Caesar did not. Explain how this helped.

QUESTION 3

How did Claudius keep control after he took it?

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QUESTION 4

Imagine you are a member of a Celtic tribe whose land has recently been taken over by the Romans. How do you feel?

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

You could argue that it was surprising that Claudius was the first Roman emperor to have success in Britain, as it certainly was a surprise to his own family! Don’t judge a book by its cover…

QUESTION 2

Claudius had his famous ballista (plural ballistae), which were also known as war machines. These could launch heavy items at frightening speeds towards enemies. This technology was unavailable to Caesar fifty years earlier.

QUESTION 3

Claudius kept control of conquered Celtic areas by allowing the Celtic kings to become ‘puppet kings’. This meant that the Celtic rulers agreed to act out the will of the Romans whilst pretending that there were still Celtic kings in charge. While this was potentially a hard choice to make, it was preferable to being killed.

QUESTION 4

You could say that being a Celtic tribesperson under Roman control would be scary; you would feel uncertain about your future. You could also feel outraged that your king or queen had lost his or her rightful throne to a foreign invader.

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107Celtic Resistance

CELTIC RESISTANCE

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CELTIC RESISTANCE

Despite the Romans’ apparent superiority over the Celts, and the willingness of some tribes to embrace Roman culture, there were some tribespeople who refused to accept the authority of the Empire.

The enduring symbol of this rebellion is Boudicca (BOO-DIH-KA), Queen of the Iceni (EYE-SEE-NY) tribe. A fearless leader and fighter, forces under Boudicca’s control caused the Romans a real problem!

NOT TODAY, ROMAN SCUM!CHAPTER CONTENTS

My name is Boudicca and I will guide you through the Celtic Resistance.

1. Boudicca2. What the Resistance meant for Roman

Britain 3. Scotland says NO!

Boudicca

Scotland says NO!

What the Resistance meant for Britain

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BOUDICCA

THE ROMANS AND THE ICENIThe story of Boudicca starts with her marriage to the leader of the Iceni people, a Celtic tribe living in the East of England. During the initial invasion by Claudius, the Iceni tribe had submitted peacefully; Boudicca’s husband was allowed to rule as a client (puppet) king.

However, this peace was not to last. Boudicca’s husband soon died, the Romans took this opportunity to claim all Iceni land and property as their own.

They humiliated Boudicca (who was now Iceni leader), attacked her daughters and drove her people from their own land.

This made the Romans very unpopular in this area. Eventually, this resentment led to the planning of a full-blown revolt involving thousands of warriors and several tribes, with Boudicca at the head.

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BLOODY BOUDICCAIn the year 60, the Roman governor stationed in Iceni territory was sent away to campaign in another part of Britain.

Boudicca took advantage of this absence and rallied her warrior army, which at its peak contained around 100,000!

The rebel Celts went straight for the biggest Roman settlement in the country – Camulodunum (CAM-YOU-LUH-DOO-NUM) (modern Colchester). Among the Celts in this area, the Romans were very unpopular due to their cruelty and lack of respect towards the tribespeople.

To those who resented the Romans in Britain, Camulodunum was the symbol of their oppression; it even had a huge statue of Claudius which many Celts took as a hated insult.

Despite the fact that it was the largest stronghold they had in Britain, the Romans were cocky and Camulodunum was poorly-defended. The Roman emperor at the time, Nero, would not have expected any Britons to attack it – which is exactly what they did.

The Celts were able to overrun the helpless Roman forces, and took control of the whole city after just two days of fighting. They then burned it to the ground.

This was a huge victory for the underdog Celts and a

shocking and serious defeat for the Romans.

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TO LONDON!Next, Boudicca and her tribal warriors marched to Londinium, an emerging city which was growing into a major trade centre on the banks of the Thames – it was common for cities to grow rapidly near rivers – can you think why?

Unable to assemble a large enough force to defend it, the Romans abandoned Londinium (LUN-DIN-E-UHM) and the Celtic horde claimed another city.

By this time, around 70,000 people (in total from both sides) had been killed. The Celts were ruthless in their assault of Roman-controlled areas, taking no prisoners or hostages.

Any surviving Romans the Celts found after a victory were hanged, burned, or crucified. The Romans needed a plan.

ROMAN RETALIATIONAs Boudicca headed towards the Midlands, the Romans took a stand. They positioned themselves across a road, knowing that this would narrow the battlefield and prevent them from being surrounded by the much more numerous Celtic forces.

This tactic proved to be a successful one, as the Romans could set up a barricade of shields and pick the Celts off with spears.

The narrow battlefield also meant that the Romans could engage a manageable number of Celts in hand-to-hand combat, at which the islanders were much weaker.

This battle, which turned out to be more of a slaughter, spelt the end of the Celtic rebellion, and Boudicca’s defeat

and death.

What do you think about Boudicca destroying London?

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Complete this wordsearch!

QUESTION 2

Why do you think Boudicca and her warriors were so passionate about defeating the Romans?

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

QUESTION 2

Boudicca and her warriors really wanted to defend their land from Roman invasion because they wanted to govern themselves. The Iceni (and others) wanted to be in control of their land and society; they didn’t want Romans making decisions for them. The Romans had also disrespected Boudicca and hurt her daughters.

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WHAT THE RESISTANCE MEANT FOR ROMAN BRITAIN

HOW DID THE ROMANS DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES?The Romans learned many lessons from Boudicca and her massive uprising. Firstly, it made the Romans take steps to ensure that their British strongholds were better defended in case anything like this happened again!

However, the main consequence of the Celtic revolt was that it made the Roman governors learn a very important lesson: treating the Celts cruelly would make them harder to control.

Alternatively, the Romans had to prove to the tribespeople that being part of the Empire would improve their lives. This is when the Romanisation of Britain really took off!

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SCOTLAND SAYS NO!

There was another group in Britain who refused to submit to the Romans. As the Romans gradually took more and more of the island, moving from south to north, they encountered different amounts of Celtic resistance. However, the resistance they encountered in Scotland was extreme to say the least.

By the year 80, the Roman governor of the time, Agricola (AH-GRIH-KO-LA), arrived in Scotland. He had come to take on the Caledonians (KAL-IH-DOH-NEE-UHNZ), the major Scottish tribe that controlled its southern areas. The Caledonians were vicious fighters, but the Roman army had recently suppressed the mighty Boudicca in brutal fashion.

This was to be a bloody encounter!

Eventually, the Caledonian warriors found themselves faced off against the Roman Army. Around 30,000 tribesmen swarmed the 12,000 Romans, hoping to make their superior numbers count.

However, the Romans’ superior equipment and organisation once again

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proved decisive; the Caledonians were forced to scatter.

This is an incredible fact, considering how efficiently the Romans had taken huge amount of land all around Europe

and even North Africa.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Name two ways that the Caledonians were similar to Boudicca’s Iceni:

QUESTION 2

On the map below, draw the approximate location of Hadrian’s Wall.

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

Similarities between the Iceni and the Caledonians could be:

Defiant of Roman rule, brave fighters, not as organised as the Romans, Celts.

QUESTION 2

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121How the Romans Changed Britain

HOW THE ROMANS CHANGED BRITAIN

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HOW THE ROMANS CHANGED BRITAIN

As we have touched upon briefly in previous chapters, the Romans’ presence in Britain caused massive change on the island. While the Romans did bring cruelty and subjection to the Celts, they also brought modernisation and new culture. Of course, this was always going to be the case; the Romans were in control of Britain for nearly four hundred years.

The Romans’ influence in Britain and across Europe is still felt today. Many aspects of our culture, politics, and lifestyles were started or influenced by something the Romans did!

I LOVE ROMAN CULTURECHAPTER CONTENTS

Let’s take a look at how the Romans have changed and shaped Britain.

1. Changing British life and culture2. Roads and technology3. Rome’s legacy in Britain

How British life has

changed

How the Roman’s played an influential factor in

British life

New culture

The legacy of Rome

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CHANGING BRITISH LIFE AND CULTURE

As you would expect, when Britain became a province of the Roman Empire, many lives changed massively.

While at first it remained a mostly Celtic region, thousands of people from across the Roman Empire soon settled in Britain, changing it forever.

READING AND WRITINGOne of the most important Roman imports was their system of education; many more Britons began to learn to read when the Romans arrived.

For example, before Britons wrote down tales and stories, they would simply tell them or perform them using the spoken word.

Many Celts also learned the language of the Romans – Latin – and began to write down laws and record their history, just as the Romans did.

They began to learn the Latin alphabet, which we still use today! While this represented progress for the Britons, it was only a select few in society that were able to access such education.

Think back to what people’s lives were like in Britain before the Romans arrived (see page 78).

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CLOCKS AND CALENDARSOf course, along with the Celts’ new literacy skills came numeracy skills! Britons in the Roman Empire soon learned to use Roman numerals.

This opened up huge new possibilities; people in Britain could now count and measure things with much more ease and accuracy. Not only this, but the Celts could now do maths.

What’s more, this came hand-in-hand with the Roman systems for telling the time and date.

The Romans had spent a lot of time observing the stars and planets, which means they could tell the time and date with incredible accuracy, similarly to how we do today.

ART AND CULTUREAlso with the Romans came art and culture. Classic heroic stories (such as Virgil’s The Aeneid) that the Romans knew and loved began to be passed on to the Britons.

Even those who could not read became familiar with these tales of war would know them, because their characters and events would be depicted in paintings, sculptures, and mosaics.

These types of Roman visual art also influenced the Britons, as a Roman/Greek style of creating became more and more popular. However, it is important to remember that the Romans were not the first to create art in

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1000 MSurely you’ve heard of Roman Numerals?

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Britain – the Celts had a long history of sculpting and building far before the Romans arrived on their island.

The Romans also brought their love of theatre to Britain. They built amphitheatres and introduced the Celts to Greek plays, as well as less serious comedies – including pantomime-like performances.

The Romans’ impact on British culture cannot be overstated. The Romans actually invented ‘Britishness’, as the Celts did not see themselves as belonging to one nation.

We still call ourselves what the Romans called us – Britons, and even our capital, London, was founded by the Romans.

While the Celts had a rich culture of their own, it was the mix of this culture with that of the Romans that shaped

what we know as Britain, today.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Write down a few ways your life would be different if you could not read, write, or count.

QUESTION 2

Answer these true or false questions by circling your response:

I. The Romans introduced the Latin alphabet to Britain.

TRUE FALSE

II. The Greeks introduced Greek plays to the Britons.

TRUE FALSE

III. Celts never attempted to make art before the Romans’ arrival.

TRUE FALSE

IV. Britain as we know it was shaped by a mixture of many cultures.

TRUE FALSE

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

If you could not read or write, it would be very difficult to find your way around, appreciate art or use the Internet!

QUESTION 2

I. The Romans introduced the Latin alphabet to Britain: TRUE

II. The Greeks introduced Greek plays to the Britons: FALSE – it was the Romans.

III. Celts never attempted to make art before the Romans’ arrival: FALSE – Britons had sculpted and painted for many years before the Romans.

IV. Britain as we know it was shaped by a mixture of many cultures: TRUE (this was aided by the Romans because people of the Empire were so diverse.)

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ROADS AND TECHNOLOGY

THE FIRST BRITISH ROADSAfter Claudius’s initial success in taking over the south east of England (see page 101), he needed infrastructure to expand his campaign.

This meant that he had to build roads between the South East and where he wanted to attack next!

There were no roads in England at this time, just dirt trails, and the Romans needed solid stone paths to transport their equipment and men across long distances.

The Romans became famous for building long, straight roads across Britain. They saw this as the most efficient choice – a straight line between two points is the shortest distance between them!

The roads helped them carry out their short-term goals, but many of the routes they founded still exist today!

Constructing these roads was a brutal business. The soldiers had to do it themselves, without machines. This meant that they had to dig the earth by hand, shape the material by hand, and carry the stone by hand.

Eventually, the Romans had built roads between the north and the south of England, and across the east and west, including into Wales.

By the time they left Britain in the year 410, they had built over 5000 miles of solid road. As time passed, the roads became less important for military reasons but more important for trade and general travel.

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MODERNISING BRITAINAs well as bringing the technology of roads to Britain, the Romans were also responsible for many other technological advances.

These advancements actually ushered in a new age for Britain – the arrival of the Romans heralded the end of the Iron Age and the start of the Roman period.

As well as new military technology, the Romans showed Britons improvements they could make in everyday life, including on their farms and in their homes.

Over the hundreds of years that the Romans were in Britain, British settlements began to look more and more like they did in Rome.

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THE GROWTH OF CITIESWhile the Celts were already good at farming and building, the Romans brought with them more advanced methods and new styles.

When the Romans were not distracted by other conquests or Celtic uprisings, they were able to build up settlements in Britain. This meant that gradually, people in Britain stopped living in small, separate, villages and started living in Roman-style towns and cities.

This meant that Britons were introduced to vital services and infrastructure such as aqueducts (AK-WUH-DUKTZ), drains, and sewers. In other words, running water and toilets arrived in Britain! Roman-style villas began to be built for the super-wealthy, and Roman public buildings such as baths began to appear.

All these factors, along with the growing Roman culture in Britain, is what we call Romanisation – Britain becoming

more like Rome!

This was an important factor in making the Celts, who would become the Romano-Britons, in feeling like they belonged to a wider country (Britain!) rather than one small tribe.

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Question

Time!

QUESTION 1

Explain how new Roman roads would help everyday people trying to trade.

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QUESTION 2

ACROSS

1. Roman roads were famous for being __________ 4. The Romans brought in new ____________ that helped Britons in everyday life

5. Soldiers and slaves built the roads out of _________

6. Britons stopped living in separate tribes and started living in towns and __________

DOWN

2. These brought fresh water into settlements 3. Roman-style houses for the super-rich

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ANSWERS

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QUESTION 1

Stone roads would help tradesmen as the solid surfaces would allow them to move their goods more easily – horses can travel faster on smooth, flat, and hard trails. The roads would also represent the shortest distance between two settlements as they were often built in a straight line.

QUESTION 2

ACROSS

1. Roman roads were famous for being: Straight

4. The Romans brought in new technology that helped Britons in everyday life.

5. Soldiers and slaves built the roads out of: Stone

6. Britons stopped living in separate tribes and started living in towns and: Cities

DOWN

2. These brought fresh water into settlements: Aqueducts

3. Roman-style houses for the super-rich: Villas

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ROME’S LEGACY IN BRITAIN

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ROME’S LEGACY IN BRITAIN

Despite their huge impact on the island, the Romans did not stay in Britain forever. By around the year 400, the entire Roman Empire had split in two, and was quarrelling amongst itself over land and power.

This meant that the emperor in charge of Britain at the time was not focused on leading the country properly.

Meanwhile, certain people in Britain (new Romano-Britons) felt that they could run their country without the Empire’s help. So, many people took advantage of the fact that the Empire was distracted, and expelled Roman governors from their towns.

This trend continued for several years until the Roman Empire had completely left the island, which was a very different place to how it was when they arrived over 400 years earlier.

So, as we have learned, the Romans had a huge impact on Britain and its people – we still feel it today! Let’s sum up

Rome’s legacy in Britain:

LANGUAGE Britons began to learn how to read, write and count.

CULTURE Britons were introduced to Christianity by the Romans.

GOVERNMENT Concepts of democracy (voting) and nationhood were introduced.

TECHNOLOGY AND ARCHITECTURE

The first British roads were built by the Romans, giving rise to the first British towns.

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139Mock Tests

Mock Tests

While you will not be formally assessed on history, doing these mock tests

would help your learning.

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PRIMARYHistory

Mock Paper 1: Ancient Rome

First Name

Middle Name/s

Last Name

School

Date of Birth D D / M M / Y Y Y Y

35 minutes

Total Score

out of 40

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141

1Answer these questions about Ancient Rome

a) How long did the civilisation of Ancient Rome last?

b) “Ancient Rome was a forward-thinking civilisation and represented the end of human savagery.” How much do you agree with this statement?

c) Legend goes that earliest Rome was ruled by 7 kings. What was their next system of ruling?

d) The Roman Empire is the strongest empire the world has ever seen. True or false?

e) The Romans were able to conquer much of Europe. In which other continents did they control land?

f) Name the main reason the Empire came to an end.

1 mark

1 mark

1 mark

1 mark

1 mark

1 mark

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142

2Answer these questions about Romulus and Remus.

a) Which Roman god was said to be the boys’ father?

b) What did the boys disagree over when they went to found their city?

c) In the space provided below, write out an imagined conversation between the brothers after Remus disrespected Romulus by jumping over his wall. You can choose whether or not you wish to include Remus’s death.

d) The tale of Romulus and Remus is a legendary tale. The brothers are mythical figures. What do these things mean?

1 mark

1 mark

2 marks

2 marks

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143

3Answer these questions about the structure of the Roman Republic.

a) The Roman Republic lasted for around 500 years. Why do you think it was so successful? Think about how it was different than just one king having all the power.

b) Look at the box below, which is filled with different people who lived in Rome during the time of the Republic. Circle the ones who counted as ‘citizens’.

Slaves

Poor men

Rich men

Women

Foreigners

c) Answer the following true or false questions about the Roman Republic:

I. The Consuls were the most powerful politicians in Rome.

II. Once elected, Senators held their positions for life.

III. The Tribunes were completely powerless against the will of the Senators.

IV. Consuls served two-year terms.

2 marks

1 mark

2 marks

TRUE FALSE

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144

4

Answer these questions about Julius Caesar.

a) Julius Caesar was part of the First Triumvirate, or Gang of Three. Name the other two members.

b) Why do you think that the fact that Caesar was a war hero helped his claim to power?

c) Why was Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon River significant?

d) Name two things that Caesar did as dictator.

e) How did Caesar annoy the Senate?

f) Out of the following three options, choose the one which best describes the events following Caesar’s assassination:

I. The Senate was able to establish a second Republic.

II. Rome was plunged into ten years of civil war.

III. Rome fell to Cleopatra’s Egyptian empire.

1 mark

2 marks

2 marks

2 marks

1 mark

1 mark

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145

5

Answer these questions about the Roman Empire.

a) Although Octavian became the first Roman Emperor, why did he not want to refer to himself by this title?

b) How long did the Roman Empire last for?

c) “Wealth and class was everything for someone living at the time of the Empire.” How much do you agree with this statement?

d) People in Ancient Rome had to pay tax. How does this create a sense of national identity?

1 mark

1 mark

1 mark

1 mark

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146

6

Answer these questions about Roman culture.

a) Which Roman public buildings were the main social hubs of the city?

b) Gladiators were mostly slaves, but some were not. Why did some people volunteer to fight to the death?

c) In chariot racing, what does ‘shipwrecking’ an opponent mean?

d) Why did Romans start to believe in many gods?

e) Which Emperor made Christianity the official religion of Rome?

1 mark

2 marks

1 mark

1 mark

1 mark

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147

7Answer these questions about the Roman Army.

a) Match the Latin names of a Roman soldier’s equipment to their English equivalents by drawing lines between boxes.

Scutum

Pilum

Gladius

Galea

Sword

Helmet

Shield

Javelin

b) Explain how the Roman Legion’s curved shield gave them an advantage.

c) The Roman Army was able to take lots of land by force, but sometimes they did not have to use violence. How was this possible?

d) Draw a Roman battalion in the testudo formation.

1 mark

1 mark

1 mark

1 mark

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PRIMARYHistory

Mock Paper 2: Roman Britain

First Name

Middle Name/s

Last Name

School

Date of Birth D D / M M / Y Y Y Y

30 minutes

Total Score

out of 34

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149

1Answer these questions about Iron Age Britain.

a) How was Celtic society different from Roman society close to the time of Caesar’s first invasion? Think about settlements and rulers.

b) Name two ways in which the Celtic warriors were different from those of the Roman Army.

c) Answer these true or false questions.

I. The Romans introduced trade to the Celts.

II. The Celts knew how to work with metal before the Romans arrived.

III. The Celts knew how to build houses before the Romans arrived.

IV. The Romans introduced art to the Celts.

2 marks

1 mark

2 marks

TRUE FALSE

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150

2Answer these questions about Caesar’s invasions of Britain

a) Why did Caesar want to conquer Britain?

b) Write down two difficulties Caesar had in Britain.

c) Why did the Romans want to meet the Celts in an open battlefield?

d) Pretend you are Julius Caesar after his second (more successful) invasion of Britain. Write a diary entry describing how it went better, and your feelings about the campaign.

2 marks

2 marks

2 marks

2 marks

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151

3Answer these questions about Claudius and his success in Britain.

a) Out of the three following options, choose the one which best describes how the Romans felt towards Britain at this time.

I. Claudius was desperate to conquer Britain because of the Celts’ natural resources – plus it would make him look good.

II. Claudius was desperate to conquer Britain because he hated the Celts.

III. Claudius did not want to conquer Britain.

b) Why do you think that it was a good plan to take down the most dominant tribe first?

c) What is a ‘puppet king’?

1 mark

1 mark

1 mark

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152

4Answer these questions about Celtic resistance to the Roman invasion.

a) Why did Boudicca want to revolt against the Romans?

b) Imagine you are Emperor Nero, and you have just been told that Boudicca has destroyed your largest town in Britain. How would you feel?

c) Describe how the organisational skills of the Roman army meant that they were ultimately victorious.

d) How did this event help the future Romanisation of Britain?

2 marks

2 marks

2 marks

2 marks

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153

5Answer these questions on how the Romans changed Britain.

a) Fill in the following table about how Britons’ lives were changed by the Romans, according to the themes of ‘reading and writing’, ‘culture’, and ‘technology’

Reading and writing

Culture

Technology

b) What do you think the most important thing that the Romans brought to Britain was? Explain your opinions.

6 marks

4 marks

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ANSWERSMOCK PAPER 1 – ANCIENT ROME

1

a) Ancient Rome lasted for over 1000 years

b) It would be incorrect to say that the Romans brought an end to human savagery – their army killed ruthlessly, and they even shed blood for sport.

c) After the 7 kings came the Roman Republic.

d) You could argue that this statement is either true or false: markers please consider the strength of the argument put forward to you.

e) The Romans also controlled land in Africa and Asia.

f) Arguably, the main reason for the collapse of the Empire was the fact that the Romans could not rule over all the land they conquered!

2

a) The boys’ father was Mars, the Roman god of war.

b) Romulus and Remus disagreed over which of the 7 hills of Rome to build their city on.

c) This conversation could have gone like:

Remus: You chose the wrong hill, Romulus, I can’t believe you’ve done this.

Romulus: Silence, brother, I know I am right. Go back to your hill.

Remus: Do not disrespect me, or I will disrespect you! Your little wall is a joke.

Romulus: If you jump over that wall into my city it will be the last thing you ever do.

Remus: Hahaha! You cannot threaten me! *jumps over wall*

Romulus: That’s it, you’re dead! *kills Remus*

No, what have I done? My brother…He’s dead.

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155Mock Tests

d) The words ‘legendary’ and ‘mythical’ mean that we do not know whether the story of Romulus and Remus is a true one – they probably did not actually exist. The story also has magical elements – think of the wolf and woodpecker!

3

a) You could argue that the Roman Republic was so successful because it was a very inclusive system of government for its time. This means that there was not just one ruler in charge – groups of people from most forms of society could voice their opinions!

b) ‘Rich men’, ‘Poor men’ and ‘Foreigners’ should be circled – poor men and foreigners could win citizenship by joining the army!

c) True/False questions:

a. True b. False c. False d. True

4

a) Other two members of the Gang of Three: Crassus and Pompeyb) The fact that he was a Roman war hero helped Caesar seize power

as this made him very popular with the average person – popular people made for powerful politicians.

c) Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon (border between Gaul and Rome) with his army mattered because it meant that he officially marched on Rome as an enemy – an act from which he could not go back.

d) Caesar’s acts as dictator: produced coins bearing his face, helped the economy, constructed public buildings.

e) Caesar annoyed the Senate by massively reducing the power they had – he acted like a king.

f) The most accurate description of the events following Caesar’s death is:

II. Rome was plunged into ten years of civil war.

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5

a) Octavian did not refer to himself as ‘emperor’ so he did not make the same mistakes as Caesar and annoy those around him.

b) The Roman Empire lasted for about 500 years.

c) You could argue that wealth and class was extremely important for a Rome living during the Empire. Only certain people had freedom, only some could vote, and only some could get access to good education. It was not a fair society.

d) Paying tax creates a sense of national identity as this money would be used for public buildings and financing the army; things that could arguably help everyone in Rome. It made people feel like they were contributing to a wider community, which they were proud of.

6

a) The baths were the social hubs of the city.

b) Some people volunteered to be gladiators to try to become rich and famous. Gladiators were also fed and had access to good medical care.

c) ‘Shipwrecking’ an opponent meant smashing into their chariot and making them lose control.

d) The Romans started to believe in many gods to be like the Greeks, who they looked up to in the early days of Rome.

e) Constantine made Christianity the official religion of Rome.

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157Mock Tests

7

a) Scutum

Pilum

Gladius

Galea

Sword

Helmet

Shield

Javelin

b) The curved shield gave the Roman soldiers an advantage as it was able to cover their sides.

c) The Roman Army did not always have to use violence to take land; sometimes people surrendered their land to save themselves. The Roman Army was a scary and dangerous enemy to make!

d) Your drawing of the testudo formation could look something like this:

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MOCK PAPER 2 – ROMAN BRITAIN

1

a) Differences between Celtic and Roman society at the time of Caesar’s invasion:

Celts lived in small tribes while Romans lived in towns and cities, Celts were ruled by warrior kings and queens while the Romans were ruled by Caesar and a Senate.

b) Differences between Celtic warriors and Roman soldiers:

Celts did not wear armour, Celts did not have round shields, Romans did not use slingshots, the Romans were much more organised.

d) True/False questions:

a. False b. True c. True d. False

2

a) Reasons Caesar wanted to conquer Britain:

He wanted more fame and success, he wanted to take more land for the Empire.

b) Difficulties Caesar had in Britain:

The cold weather, the stormy seas, Celts throwing javelins, Roman cavalry could not join him.

c) Reasons the Romans wanted to meet the Celts in an open battlefield:

The Romans knew they had superior soldiers to the Celts – due to better equipment, organisation and tactics. So, meeting them in an open battlefield – where the Celts could not carry out ambush attacks – was preferable to the Romans.

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159Mock Tests

d) Caesar’s diary entry could go like this:

Dear Diary,

Today was a good day for me and indeed for Rome; we finally managed to defeat the blasted Celts. Although the British weather seems determined to test my patience and cost me money, I did not let this stop me from achieving my goal on this damned island – taking control. I even had their so-called kings begging me to spare their lives. They were lucky I had to leave to deal with some nastiness in Gaul, or they might have found themselves on the wrong end of my sword.

Julius.

3

a) The correct option is I: Claudius was desperate to conquer Britain because of the Celts’ natural resources – plus it would make him look good.

b) Reasons why it was a good plan to take down the most dominant tribe first:

The Romans knew that if they defeated the dominant tribe in the area first, it would make it more likely that other tribes would surrender quickly.

c) A puppet king is a king that pretends to be making his own decisions but is taking orders from someone else who is more powerful than them. The Romans let many Celt kings and queens keep ruling if they promised to do what the Romans said.

4

a) Reasons Boudicca wanted to revolt against the Romans:

The Romans drove the Iceni people from their own land when Boudicca’s husband died, the Romans attacked her daughters, the Romans did not accept Boudicca’s rightful claim to her throne.

b) Emperor Nero on learning that Colchester (his largest town) had been destroyed possibly would have felt:

Shocked, angry, vengeful, scared, determined.

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c) The Roman Army’s organisation skills that led them to defeat the uprising:

They led the Celts to attack them on a narrow road to avoid being surrounded, their defensive formations allowed them to defeat many Celts in hand-to-hand combat.

d) Boudicca’s uprising helped the future Romanisation of Britain by:

Showing the Romans that they could more easily control the Celts if they avoided being cruel to them, showing the Romans that they needed to convince the Celts that their presence would be beneficial to them.

5

a) Reading and writing

•

The Romans introduced the Latin alphabet to Britain:

More people had literacy skills.

•

The Romans intro duced Roman numerals to Britain:

More people could now do maths and measure things more effectively.

Culture •

The Romans introduced Latin and Greek literature to Britain.

• A Roman/Greek style of building became popular in Britain

• Official theatres arrived in Britain

• A sense of nationality/wider belonging was brought to Britain

Technology • Romans built stone roads in Britain

• Romans brought new military and farming

technology to Britain

• Aqueducts, drains, and sewers were constructed in new British towns and cities

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161Mock Tests

b) It doesn’t matter which change the Romans brought to Britain you think is the most important – as long as you explain your decision!

For example:

“I think the most important thing the Romans brought to Britain was their alphabet and writing. This is because literacy skills are the foundation of so many other aspects of life and culture – where would we be without the ability to read and write?”

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