KS2 History: The Romans in Britain Guide

The invasion

The Romans invaded Britain in AD 43 under Emperor Claudius, though Julius Caesar had attempted invasions almost a century earlier. Over time, the Romans conquered most of Britain, though they never fully controlled Scotland.

Roman rule

The Romans built roads, towns and forts across Britain, and introduced a system of government, currency and Latin. Hadrian's Wall was built to mark and defend the northern frontier of Roman Britain.

Boudica's revolt

In AD 60/61, Boudica, queen of the Iceni tribe, led a major revolt against Roman rule after being mistreated by the Romans. Her forces destroyed several Roman towns before being defeated.

What the Romans left behind

The Romans left a lasting legacy in Britain, including roads (some routes are still used today), towns founded by the Romans (like London and Bath), and the introduction of new foods, technology and Christianity later in the period.

Common mistakes

• Thinking the Romans conquered the whole of Britain, including Scotland — they didn't.
• Mixing up the dates of the invasion (AD 43) with Julius Caesar's earlier failed attempts (55 and 54 BC).
• Forgetting Boudica fought against the Romans, not for them.