Mapping Roman Britain: Cities and Roads

This activity will immerse Year 5 pupils in the geography of Roman Britain. They will explore how the Romans organised their province, focusing on the location of important towns (like Londinium, Eboracum, and Deva) and the strategic network of roads that connected them. This links directly to the KS2 Geography curriculum's focus on human and physical geography, as well as the KS2 History curriculum's study of Roman Britain. Pupils will develop their map-reading skills and historical understanding of why certain locations were chosen and how infrastructure shaped the landscape.

1. Introduction (10 minutes): Begin with a brief recap of Roman invasion and occupation of Britain. Ask pupils what they already know about Roman towns or roads. Explain that the Romans were excellent engineers and planners, and their choices for settlements and roads profoundly impacted Britain's geography.
2. Introduce Key Vocabulary (5 minutes): Display and discuss keywords like 'settlement', 'fortress', 'colonia', 'road network', 'strategic location', 'infrastructure'.
3. Map Exploration (15 minutes): Provide each pupil or small group with a modern map of Britain and a historical map of Roman Britain (or an overlay). Ask them to identify familiar places and then locate key Roman sites. Discuss why these places might have been chosen (e.g., rivers for transport, hills for defence, fertile land). Highlight the 'spine' of Roman roads.
4. 'Roman Road Builders' Challenge (20 minutes): Give pupils a blank outline map of Britain. Provide them with a list of 5-7 key Roman settlements (e.g., Londinium, Eboracum, Deva, Camulodunum, Venta Belgarum, Aquae Sulis, Hadrian's Wall). Their task is to:
   • Locate and label these settlements on their blank map.
   • Draw in the main Roman roads connecting these settlements, explaining their strategic choices for the routes.
   • Add a simple key.
5. Plenary and Discussion (10 minutes): Bring the class together. Ask pupils to share their maps and discuss their choices for road placement. Compare their maps to a more accurate historical Roman Britain map. Discuss the lasting impact of Roman roads and settlements on modern Britain.

• Large display map of modern Britain.
• Large display map of Roman Britain (or an OHP/projector image).
• Individual or small group copies of a modern map of Britain.
• Individual or small group copies of a historical map of Roman Britain (can be simplified).
• Blank outline maps of Britain for each pupil (A4 or A3).
• Coloured pencils or pens.
• List of key Roman settlements and their modern equivalents (e.g., Londinium - London, Eboracum - York, Deva - Chester).
• Whiteboard or flipchart for vocabulary.

Pupils will be able to:

• Accurately locate at least 5 key Roman settlements on a map of Britain.
• Draw a network of roads connecting these settlements, demonstrating an understanding of strategic routes.
• Use geographical vocabulary correctly when discussing Roman Britain.
• Explain at least one reason why the Romans chose a particular location for a settlement or road.