Roman History: Conquest of Britain
TASK 1: Match each event on the timeline with the Roman general or
emperor responsible.
54 - 55 BC AD 60 AD 122
AD 43
1st Roman General Boudicca Revolts An 80-mile long,
Conquest of
invades Britain. against the defensive wall built
Britain begins
Romans across Britain
C o p y rig h t : M u se u m o f C la ssic a l A rc h a e o lo g y 2 0 2 0
Roman History: Conquest of Britain
The General: Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar was never an emperor of Rome!
But he was a very powerful general, some might
even say a dictator.
Julius Caesar invaded Britain in 55 BC. He
landed on the coast of Kent but many of his
ships were wrecked and damaged by a storm!
After a few small battles, he had to turn back
to France (Gaul).
Caesar returned a year later in 54 BC with more
ships and more soldiers. He was slightly more
successful this time and established Rome's
foothold in Britain.
TASK: What is the difference between a king, a dictator and an
emperor? Discuss and write down at least 3 characteristics of each.
Roman History: Conquest of Britain
The Emperors: Claudius
Claudius became emperor at the age of 50,
after Caligula was assassinated. Before that,
many thought he was very foolish and weak.
But he claimed it was a survival tactic for
living at the imperial court – nobody
thought he was a threat.
He was a bookish character and
invented three new letters for the
alphabet, but they didn’t catch on.
He wanted a military victory and so
launched the invasion of Britain.
TASK 1: This head was found in a river in Suffolk. The ragged edge
means the head was violently cut or snapped from the rest of the statue.
What might have happened? When? Why?
Roman History: Conquest of Britain
The Emperors: Nero
Nero became emperor when he was only 17. His
statue shows him as young man with downy
cheeks: he’s not yet shaved his first beard.
He was obsessed with music and loved to
perform. To keep his voice in top condition,
he would lie on his back with a slab of lead on
his chest. He had 5000 young men trained to
applaud him when he sang.
No one was allowed to leave the theatre during a
performance. Some people pretended to be dead
so they could escape!
TASK 2: Nero had to deal with a revolt in Britain while he
was emperor. What are 3 things you would do if you
were in charge of a country protesting against you? What
would Nero do?
Roman History: Conquest of Britain
The Emperors: Hadrian
Hadrian was the first Roman emperor to wear
a full beard. As well as fashion this is a sign of
how much he prized Greek culture.
Many of the Greek politicians and
philosophers in the Museum also
have beards just like Hadrian.
Hadrian spent most of his reign on
the move around the different
provinces of the Empire.
He ordered the building of Hadrian’s Wall. This
marked the northernmost limit of the Roman
Empire in Britain.
TASK 3: Can you see Medusa's head on Hadrian's armour?
Find out what the story of Medusa is. Can you think of reasons why Hadrian
included her head on his armour?
Roman History: Conquest of Britain
Creative Task: Comic
You will need: Instructions:
A4 paper Draw a comic about Claudius based on what
pencil you learned. We wrote some labels that will help
colouring pens or you with the story.
pencils
Step 1. Draw a comic grid like this one: Step 2: Label the boxes:
1. Claudius becomes emperor. He
needs to impress his people.
2. Claudius looks for inspiration in
his ancestors.
3. He realises he should invade
Britain.
4. The Roman army sets out on
ships.
5. Romans conquer the south east of
Step 3: Draw pictures that go England
with the labels!
