The Amazing Romans! 
Who Were the Romans? 
The Romans were people from Ancient Rome, a powerful city in Italy. Over 2,000 years ago, they built a huge empire that ruled much of Europe, including Britain!
They were great builders, soldiers, and inventors. Many things we use today—like roads, central heating, and even concrete—came from the Romans!
Life in Roman Times 
Homes and Families 
- Rich Romans lived in large villas with beautiful mosaic floors.
- Poor Romans lived in small apartments called insulae.
- Most homes had a courtyard and a small shrine to the Roman gods.
Roman Food 
Romans ate bread, cheese, fruit, and vegetables. They also loved olives and honey. Some Romans even ate peacock, flamingo, and dormice—yuck!
What Was Life Like for Roman Children? 
Roman children lived very different lives depending on whether they were rich or poor.
Rich children:
Went to school (boys learned reading, writing, and maths). Wrote on wax tablets instead of paper. Learned Latin, the language of Rome. Had toys like dolls, spinning tops, and board games.
Poor children:
Didn’t go to school—they worked instead. Helped their parents on farms or in shops. Played with simple homemade toys.
Fun Fact: Roman girls usually married at 12 or 13 years old! Boys had to wait until they were about 15–18.
The Roman Army 
The Roman army was the strongest in the world and helped Rome rule huge areas of land!
A Roman soldier (legionary) carried: A shield (scutum) – big, curved, and strong! A short sword (gladius) – perfect for quick fighting! A throwing spear (pilum) – used before charging into battle! A helmet and armor – made of iron to protect them.
How Tough Were Roman Soldiers? 
Trained every day to be the best warriors.
Marched 20 miles a day carrying heavy gear.
Practiced fighting with wooden swords (heavier than real ones!). Used the “tortoise” formation (testudo) to block attacks!
Roman Forts & Barracks 
The army built forts to protect towns and rest between battles. These had: Barracks – where soldiers slept. Headquarters – where commanders planned battles.
Bathhouses – to keep soldiers clean.
Fun Fact: Roman soldiers weren’t allowed to marry while they were serving in the army!
Gladiators, Amphitheatres & Wild Battles! 
Gladiators were fighters who battled in amphitheatres for huge crowds!
Who Were Gladiators?
- Many were slaves or prisoners.
- Some were free men who wanted fame and money.
- They trained in special schools to become warriors!
Famous Amphitheatres
The most famous amphitheatre was the Colosseum in Rome, which could hold 50,000 people!
But Britain also had its own amphitheatres, including Caerleon’s Roman amphitheatre (which could hold 6,000 people!).
Types of Gladiators: Murmillo – Wore a helmet and fought with a sword & shield. Retiarius – Fought with a net and trident like a fisherman!
Bestiarius – Fought wild animals like lions and tigers!
Gladiator Fights: A Deadly Game!
- Gladiators battled each other or animals.
- If they lost, the emperor or crowd decided if they lived or died.
- The thumbs-up or thumbs-down sign came from these fights!
Fun Fact: Some gladiators became superstars, like today’s footballers!
The Romans in Britain 
The Romans came to Britain in 43 AD and stayed for nearly 400 years!
They built towns, roads, and walls to control the land. Some famous Roman places include: Hadrian’s Wall – A huge wall to keep out enemies!
Bath – A city with ancient Roman baths still standing today!
Londinium – This became London!
Roman Caerleon in Newport!
One of the most important Roman sites in Britain is Caerleon, in Newport! It was a big Roman fortress called Isca Augusta, home to thousands of Roman soldiers!
What can you see in Caerleon today? A Roman amphitheatre – where gladiators fought! The Roman baths – where soldiers relaxed after training! The Roman barracks – where soldiers lived!
Fun Fact: The amphitheatre in Caerleon is one of the best-preserved in Britain. It could hold 6,000 people watching gladiator battles!
If you visit Caerleon Roman Fortress & Baths, you can walk where the Romans walked and see real Roman ruins!
Fun Roman Facts 
The Romans played board games, like an early version of chess!
Some roads we use today were first built by Romans!
Roman actors wore masks to show different emotions!
The Romans brought grapes, apples, and pears to Britain!
Can You Answer These Questions?
What did Roman soldiers carry to battle? What was the Roman name for London? What is the name of the Roman site in Caerleon? What kind of gladiator used a net and trident? What did Roman children write on instead of paper?
