Usborne Roman Soldier's Handbook | Romans In Britain Booklist

Roman Soldier's Handbook:
Everything a beginner solider needs to know!

Welcome, brave recruits, to the Roman army! Whether you’re a teacher guiding young minds through history or a parent bringing ancient times to life at home, this handbook is your one-stop resource for everything a rookie Roman soldier needs to know. Ready? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Roman warfare and daily soldier life!

Gear Up, Soldier!

First things first: no Roman soldier is ready for battle without the right gear. Your typical Roman legionary would be decked out in a shiny, sturdy helmet called a "galea," a protective body armor known as "lorica segmentata," and a trusty shield, or "scutum." Don’t forget your "gladius" (short sword) and "pilum" (throwing spear)—essential tools for both close combat and long-range attacks. Teachers, a fun classroom activity might be having students design their own Roman shields with colourful, historical patterns!

Marching Orders and Training

The life of a Roman soldier wasn’t just about fighting; it was about being prepared. Daily life included rigorous training routines. Soldiers marched up to 20 miles a day carrying heavy packs, and they practiced combat skills with wooden swords that were twice as heavy as their actual weapons. Try leading your students in a mini-march around the playground, or set up an obstacle course to simulate the fitness drills of Roman soldiers. Remember, teamwork and discipline were key!

Camp Life and Duty

When not on the move, Roman soldiers lived in well-organized camps. Every camp was set up the same way, with a central command tent, sleeping quarters, and defensive fortifications. Encourage students to create their own miniature Roman camp using blocks or craft materials. Discussing the daily duties of a soldier, from guard duty to cooking meals, helps kids understand the importance of every role within the legion.

Battle Tactics and Strategy

Roman soldiers were famous for their battle formations and strategies. The "testudo" or tortoise formation, where soldiers aligned their shields to protect against arrows, is a classic example. Demonstrate this with a hands-on activity using cardboard shields or even books, showing how coordination and strategy won battles.

By incorporating these fun, interactive elements into your lessons, you’ll bring the Roman soldier’s world to life in a way that’s both engaging and educational. So, arm yourselves with knowledge and let the adventure of ancient Rome begin!

Author: Lesley Simms

Lesley is a prolific children's author and editor who has had a diverse career path leading to her success in publishing. She has successfully combined her passion for writing with her editorial skills, creating a wide range of children's books that educate and entertain young readers.

Book Details:

Publisher: Usborne Publishing
Format: Paperback
Print length: 128 pages
Dimensions: 19.7 x 1 x 13 cm
Reading age: 8 - 13 years old
Publication date: 1 Oct. 2001
ISBN: 978-1409567745

Read alongside these topics:

Romans In Britain

Using the "Usborne Roman Soldier's Handbook" to Teach KS2 History: Romans in Britain

The "Usborne Roman Soldier's Handbook" by Lesley Sims is a great resource for teaching the KS2 History topic "Romans in Britain". Here's how it can help:

Engaging Students with an Interactive Approach

The handbook is designed to engage students with an interactive approach, making learning about Roman soldiers fun and interactive. By putting themselves in the shoes of a Roman soldier, students can better understand their daily life, training, and role in the Roman army.

Covering Key Aspects of Roman Britain

The handbook covers key aspects of Roman Britain that are relevant to the KS2 curriculum, such as:

The Roman conquest of Britain
The role of the Roman army in establishing control
The impact of Roman culture, technology, and infrastructure on Britain
The daily life and duties of Roman soldiers

Supplementing Classroom Learning

The "Usborne Roman Soldier's Handbook" can be used as a supplementary resource to enhance classroom learning. Students can refer to the handbook for additional information, activities, and illustrations related to the Romans in Britain.

Aligning with KS2 History Objectives

The handbook's content aligns well with the KS2 History objectives for the Romans in Britain topic, such as:

Understanding the Roman empire and its impact on Britain
Comparing life in Roman Britain to modern life
Developing historical enquiry skills through hands-on activities

Providing Age-Appropriate Content

The handbook is specifically designed for KS2 students, with age-appropriate language, illustrations, and activities. This makes it easier for teachers to integrate the resource into their lesson plans and ensure that students can engage with the content effectively.

By incorporating the "Usborne Roman Soldier's Handbook" into their teaching, KS2 teachers can create a more engaging, interactive, and comprehensive learning experience for their students when studying the Romans in Britain.