This slide show will show how the Romans helped to shape and change the landscape and the wildlife of Britain. Guiding Questions: 

When the Romans came to Britain, they spotted a big problem. Britain did not have roads that went from place to place. They did have paths, and dirt roads, but not like the roads the Romans built. Importantly, they did not have a smooth road from England to Scotland. The marching Romans needed smooth roads to get from one place to another in a fast and effective way.  They used these roads to move all their building equipment, personal items, and supplies. 

So, the Romans built Dere Street. Dere Street connected England and Scotland. Dere Street passed through Trimontium Roman Fort. 

Like us, the Romans had their favourite fruits, vegetables and spices. 

Here is a list of fruits, vegetables and other food items that the Romans brought to Britain. Some of these fruits and vegetables still grow in Britain today! Which ones are your favourites?  

Did you know that when the Romans came to Britain, they brought some furry and feathery friends? Let's take a quick look at the animals they introduced to this land!

Some Romans thought rabbits were cute, others thought they were delicious. They brought them to Britain for food and as pets. They multiplied. Now, they are quite common.

The Romans brought chickens. They provided eggs and meat. This made them valuable farm animals.

Peacocks have beautiful feathers. The Romans brought them for their beauty. They roamed around Roman villas. They added a touch of elegance to the surroundings. 

Romans liked pet cats. The cats kept the mice away. They were important members of households. The Romans adopted cats from the Egyptians.

Romans used donkeys for transportation. They also used them to carry heavy loads. The sturdy animals were helpful in farming. They also moved goods around.

Romans introduced pheasants for hunting and for feasting. 

The Romans brought Guinea Fowl. They thought their meat was tasty. They also helped control insects in gardens.

Fallow Deer: Romans brought fallow deer for hunting and as a source of venison. These deer added diversity to the wildlife of Britain.

The Romans brought these great animals to Britain. They became part of its landscape and culture! What is your favourite animal  the Romans brought?

Did you know that when the Romans came to Britain, they didn't just bring animals, plants and roads? They also brought a whole new language - Latin! Let's explore how some English words we use today actually come from Latin, the ancient language of the Romans.

The first column are words that are still used today directly from Latin. The second column are words that come from Latin but have changed a little bit over time. 

Agenda: Have you ever heard your teacher say, "Let's check the agenda"? Well, the word "agenda" comes from Latin, meaning "things to be done." It's like a to-do list!

Maximum: When you're told you've reached the "maximum" limit of candy you can have, you can thank the Romans for that word! It comes from Latin, meaning "the greatest possible amount."

Minimum: On the flip side, when you're told you have to eat a "minimum" amount of vegetables, that's another Latin word! "Minimum" means the smallest possible amount.

Ultimatum: Have you ever heard of an "ultimatum"? It means a final, non-negotiable demand. "Ultimatum" comes from Latin, meaning "final."

Vice Versa: Have you ever seen a movie where things go backwards? That's like "vice versa"! It means the other way around. "Vice versa" is Latin for "the position having been reversed."

Via: When you're giving directions and say, "Go via the park," you're using a Latin word! "Via" means "by way of" or "through."

Visa: If you've ever traveled abroad, you might have heard of a "Visa." It's a special stamp on your passport that lets you enter a country. "Visa" is actually Latin for "something seen," like a mark or seal.

Video: When you're watching your favourite cartoons, you're doing something that comes from Latin! "Video" means "I see" in Latin. In Latin it is a verb. We still use the word today, but today it refers to 'moving pictures'.

Library comes from 'liber' - "book", and 'librarium' - "place for books"

Constitution comes from 'constitutio' - "establish". 

Calendar comes from 'calends' which was the first day of the Roman month.

So, next time you speak English, remember that you're actually speaking a little bit of Latin too! Isn't language fascinating?

The Romans did not stay in Scotland. When the Romans left, some of their things stayed behind. They also left their buildings intact. The native Celts were resourceful people. They used the stones from the Roman buildings to build some new buildings. 

The natives used the Roman stones for their houses. The natives used Roman stones for walls for their animals. The Romans also left their roads. The natives often used the Roman roads for easy travel. 

Over time, the stones that formed the Trimontium Fort were reused in many buildings, by different peoples. One building is Melrose Abbey. The Abbey was built in the Middle Ages, centuries after the Romans left. 

The Romans and the Native Celts did not get along. The Romans came to Scotland to rule over the ancient Scottish people. They were an invading force. The Romans wanted to take resources and people from Scotland. They wanted to expand their empire and make the territory of Scotland part of Rome. As such, they were not always welcome. 

They were not able to take over Scotland as they wanted.  The local tribes united and became the Picts.  They opposed the invading Roman armies. 

The Romans were in Scotland for at least 100 years. In that time they brought new food, animals, and language. 

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

Standards for How the Romans Changed Britain

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework