PR-2237IRE Ancient Rome

Roman Legions
Roman legions contained the following fighting men:
Apart from their weapons, many soldiers, and the first roads linked their military camps (castra) which
slaves, carried tools which were used to build gradually developed into towns like Lancaster and
roads, fortifications at temporary camps and bridges Doncaster in England. Excavated Roman roads around
to cross rivers quickly in order to surprise the enemy. the world are often found to be in excellent condition
The Romans, the ancient
and some modern roads in
world’s greatest road
Britain, like the A5, are actually
builders, built straight roads
built on top of old Roman roads.
so their armies could move
The Roman soldiers and
quickly to any trouble spots
craftsmen who accompanied the
around the Empire. Often
legions also built walls and forts
they would clear vegetation
to protect the outlying borders of
from the road verges to The A5 main road which was built over Watling Street. the Empire from warlike tribes.
prevent ambushes. Their Probably Britain’s oldest Roman road. Notice how
straight it is, a visual feature of Roman roads.
Activity Box
1. Who built the Roman roads?
2. What was the common feature of Roman roads?
3. Name the Roman road mentioned on this page.
4. Colour and cut out these pictures and paste them in the correct boxes above.
Viewing Sample
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