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THE ROMANS IN CARDIFF

Learn about the Roman forts at Cardiff. A selection of replica armour, weapons, and artefacts from the Roman period, in addition to original finds recovered during archaeological digs at the Castle and in surrounding areas, are available to handle and discuss.

SUITABILITY

PS2

PS3

KS2

Roman Fort

DESCRIPTION

This session in the Education Centre will look at the arrival of the Romans in Cardiff, the reasons for their choice of location for the first of the four forts built here, the changes in the shape and location of the forts and the shape of the final fort. Pupils will be shown a range of replica armour and weapons from the Roman period, will discuss their use, their strengths and weaknesses and will have the opportunity to try on selected items.

The session is taken by the Education Officer who is DBS-checked.

DURATION

The session will last for 60 minutes. The guided tour of the Castle will last approximately 50 minutes. Teachers with younger children may choose a shorter tour which omits the spiral staircase to the top of one of the towers.

There is additional information about the Roman period on the Audio Guide of the Grounds and in the Family Trail.

Key Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes and what is covered during sessions will depend on the age, needs and range of the pupils. However, by the end of the session, pupils of all ages will have:

  • Learnt the likely reasons for the Romans’ choice of location for their forts in Cardiff
  • Learnt how we know what we do about the Roman forts in Cardiff
  • Learnt about the different forts in Cardiff Castle
  • Learnt about the different ranks of soldier in a Roman army
  • Learnt about the different types of armour worn and weapons used at the time
  • Learnt about the daily lives of some of those soldiers
  • Talked about and been shown some of the items that were used on a daily basis during the Roman times
  • Tried on a helmet, lifted a shield and handled items of armour
Links to the National Curriculum

Cynefin

Humanities – Progression Steps 2 & 3 (Wales)

  • Enquiry, exploration, and investigation inspire curiosity about the world, it’s past, present and future.
  • Events and human experiences are complex and are perceived, interpreted, and represented in different ways.
  • Our natural world is diverse and dynamic, influences by processes and human actions.

Key Stage 2 (England)

  • The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain

What Else is Included in Your Visit

  • A guided tour of the House. The tour takes pupils to some of the highly decorated rooms that date from the Victorian period. The designs reflect the architect’s vision of how the interior of a medieval Castle would have been. There are references to some of the rulers from the Roman period in the decoration of the Library and the design of the Roof Garden was inspired by visits to Pompeii and includes Roman style mosaic floors.
  • Access to areas of the Grounds including the Keep, the Battlements and Wartime Shelters.
  • A Visit to Firing Line – Museum of the Welsh Soldier (Military Museum in the Interpretation Centre). Please note: Firing Line is independently managed, and any activities offered are not a part of Cardiff Castle’s Education Service. Visits may not be possible on certain days or may incur an additional charge.

Telephone

029 2087 8110

Email

education@cardiff.gov.uk

Enquiry: Romans in Cardiff

Please let our Education Office know if you have any questions about the Romans in Cardiff workshop.