大象传媒

Exploring the Roman invasion and settlement of Britain, including resistance by Boudica and the Iceni tribe.

4. The Romans in Britain

Julia is at Richborough Roman Fort in Kent on the south coast of England. It marks the spot where the Romans invaded Britain in 43 CE. The Romans had made previous attempts to conquer Britain almost a hundred years before under the leadership of Julius Caesar, but the Britons had successfully resisted and the Romans had chosen to abandon the project.

In 43 CE they returned with a much stronger force and many of the Celtic tribes in Britain were quickly overwhelmed. Many Celtic chieftains chose to live alongside their Roman overlords, paying taxes to Rome in return for peace. Over time many of the Celtic tribes became Romanised, adopting Roman customs and habits.

The main resistance to Roman rule in Britain came from Boudica's revolt in c 60 - 61 CE. Boudica was the wife of Prasutagus, king of the Iceni tribe in what is now East Anglia. There was an agreement that when Prasutagus died half of his land would be given to Rome and half retained by Boudica. However, the Romans reneged on the agreement, instead taking all the land and abusing Boudica and her daughters.

Boudica raised an army and destroyed the Roman settlements at Camulodunum (Colchester), Londinium (London) and Verulamium (St Albans). Boudica was defeated at the Battle of Watling Street and is thought to have died shortly after.

The Romans remained in Britain for nearly 400 years, but in 410 CE they abandoned Britain to focus on defending the empire in mainland Europe.

Duration: 3' 49"

Final words: '鈥till see their legacy today.'

Video questions

  • Why did the Romans wish to conquer Britain? (It was rich in natural resources, including silver, gold, lead, iron, tin, wheat, etc)
  • How was Britain ruled at the time of the Roman invasion? (It was split up into several tribal kingdoms)
  • In which year did the Romans successfully invade Britain? (43 CE - or AD43)
  • Who was Prasutagus? (King of the Iceni)
  • Who was the wife of Prasutagus? (Boudica)
  • What did Boudica do? (She led a revolt against the Roman occupation)
  • How big was Boudica's army? (Said to be over 120,000 strong)
  • Where is there a famous statue of Boudica? (Near the Houses of Parliament in London)
  • What area of Britain was never conquered by the Romans? (Scotland)
  • What was the purpose of Hadrian's Wall? (To protect the Roman occupied land to the south from the Picts to the north)
  • How long is Hadrian's Wall? (120 kilometres)
  • How tall were the walls? (4 metres)
  • Why did the Romans leave Britain? (To defend the empire against warring tribes in Europe)

This film is relevant for teaching History within the National Curriculum at KS2 in England and Northern Ireland and equivalent levels in Scotland and Wales.

Back to top

Further resources

Download / print the Teacher Notes prepared in partnership with Classroom Secrets (pdf)

Teacher Notes

Click to download / print the episode transcript

Transcript

Song: 'Boudicca!' video

Learn a song about Boudica's revolt from our musical 'Rocking Romans!'

Song: 'Boudicca!'
Back to top

3. The Roman army. video

Exploring the formidable Roman army - its organisation, tactics, weapons and influence.

3. The Roman army

5. The legacy of Ancient Rome. video

Exploring the enduring influence of Ancient Rome on modern Britain and countries around the world.

5. The legacy of Ancient Rome

6. Growing up in Ancient Rome. video

Julia introduces a narrative episode about Augusta and Felix - two children growing up in Ancient Rome.

6. Growing up in Ancient Rome
Back to top