Even today, evidence of the Romans being here, can be seen in the ruins of Roman buildings, forts, roads, and baths can be found all over Britain.

When did the Romans invade Britain? When did the Romans invade Britain? First invasion - Caesar's first raid In August 55 B.C. (55 years before Jesus was born) the Roman general, Emperor Julius Caesar invaded Britain. First invasion - Caesar's first raid In August 55 B.C. (55 years before Jesus was born) the Roman general, Emperor Julius Caesar invaded Britain. After winning several battles against the Celtic tribes (Britons) in south-east England he returned to France.

How long did the Romans stay in Britain? The Romans remained in Britain from 43 AD to 410 AD. That is almost four hundred years (four centuries).

The battle for Yorkshire and the remainder of northern England was still underway in AD 70. The battle for Yorkshire and the remainder of northern England was still underway in AD 70. The biggest battle was fought on the banks of the River Medway, close to Rochester. It went on for two days before the Celtic tribes retreated.

. A soldier's life was very tough, they were well armed and trained for dangerous battles. Let's find out what they wore. Metal Jacket This flexible armour was made up of metal strips held together with metal ties. They were so heavy that soldiers had to help each other to put them on. Tunic The tunic was worn underneath the armour. This was made of rough wool and reached down to the middle of the thigh. It was not until later that short trousers were worn down below!

Sandals (caligae) These sandals were designed to help the Romans march for long distances. They were strong, well ventilated and allowed the soldiers to march very quickly. The sandals often had metal studs at the bottom to make them last longer. A Belt (cingulum) The decorated leather strips gave protection during a battle. These belts jangled as the army marched to scare the enemy. The most important soldiers wore the nicest, most expensive belts.

A Sword (Gladius) This short sword was also called a 'Gladius' and it was a terrible stabbing weapon. The soldiers could use them easily in the crush of a battle. Equipment Each man had a heavy pack with a tool kit, a dish and a pan. The pack held personal items and 3 day's food rations. They may have also carried things like a cloak and a leather bottle for water or wine. Helmet Centurions and other Officers wore crests on the top of their helmets so that the other men could follow them in battle. The helmets helped to protect the head, face and neck in a battle. A Javelin These had a sharp point to pierce shields and armour. Groups of soldiers would throw their javelins through the air at the same time in order to break the enemies charge.

Only men could be in the Roman Army. No women. Every Roman soldier was a Roman citizen. Every Roman soldier was a Roman citizen. He had to be at least 20 years old. He was not supposed to get married while he was a soldier. Most soldiers in the Roman Empire came from countries outside Italy. There were Roman soldiers from Africa, France, Germany, the Balkans, Spain and the Middle East. Soldiers had to stay in the army for at least 25 years! Then they could retire, with a pension or a gift of land to farm. Old soldiers often settled down to old age together, in a military town or Colonia.

 Rome is now the capital city of Italy. 2,000 years ago it was the centre of the Roman Empire. Building started in 753 BC. The Romans had a story to explain how Rome began. Twin boys, Romulus and Remus, were the sons of Mars (the Roman god or war). An evil uncle took them as babies from their mother and threw them into the River Tiber to drown. The babies floated to land, and a mother wolf fed and cared for them. Later a herdsman looked after the twins until they grew up.

 The Emperor Claudius rode an elephant when he visited Britain in AD 43. People in Britain were amazed to see such a sight!  To be a Roman citizen, or even an Emperor, you did not have to be born in Rome. The Emperor Septimius Severus was an African, from Libya.

 In his portraits, Julius Caesar wore a wreath on his head to hide his baldness! The Roman leader Julius Caesar.

 Their gods included:  Jupiter  King of the Gods.  God of the sky  Weapon: Thunderbolt (thunder and lightning).  Son of Uranus  Father of Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto  Husband of Juno, who looked after women.  Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto were the three sons of Saturn

 Neptune  God of the Sea and also earthquakes  Holds: a trident, which had three prongs.  Son of Saturn  Brother of Jupiter and Pluto  Greek name: Poseidon

 Mars  God of War (pictured right)  Father of Romulus and Remus  Soldiers believed that Mars decided who won, who lost and who died in battle. They prayed to him to ask him to keep them safe from harm and to allow them to win in battle.

 The Romans often borrowed new gods from people they conquered. They hoped these new gods would make them stronger. They borrowed gods from Egypt, for example, such as the goddess Isis.

 A clay head of the god Jupiter. And Mithras. She is a Persian God

 I hope you have learnt a lot!!!