Trimontium Museum

Put what you have learned about the Romans to the test! Answer the questions correctly to complete the code to escape the game. 

Help the Romans Escape!

This activity shows the different domestic, or "every day" items the Romans used while living at Trimontium. Guiding Questions: What would be a 'good life' for the Romans?  How do you compare these objects with objects you may have at home?  What human stories do these objects tell? 

Domestic Objects 

The Native Celts Meet Their New Neighbours....The Romans

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

How the Romans Changed Britain

A overview of the development of the Roman civilization, from its early periods of Kingdom and Republic to the development of its Empirical period. Particular focus is given to the invasion of Britain and the developments in and around the Trimontium fort in Scotland.
Why is the Roman Empire considered one of the largest and most influential in western history?  

Roman Civilization

Find some of the words relating to what you have learned so far about the Romans in Scotland. Draw a circle around the word or highlight it. 

Word-search Activity

The purpose of this activity is to learn and identify different Roman weapons and armour. Guiding questions: What is one technology from today would a Roman solider want most? What kinds of weapons did Roman soldiers use?

Military Objects 

This activity is laid out in a design on how the Roman legionary soldiers would have lived at Trimontium. It also shows what items they would have lived with. Guiding Questions: What items did the Romans use that we still use today? What modern technology do you think the Romans would have wanted to have? How and where did the Roman soldiers at Trimontium live?

Military Barracks 

This slide show will introduce and give a bit of information about some of the main gods and goddess of ancient Rome. The Romans had dozens of gods, goddesses, minor deities and mythological figures. This slide show will just give an introduction to the main pantheon. 

Roman Gods and Goddesses 

This is a re-creation of what the Roman fort Trimontium would have looked like 2000 years ago. Today, the area is a large empty field. Farmers use it to grow food and for sheep. In this narrative, you will hear the story of Trimontium, and learn about the Romans in Scotland. 

Welcome to Trimontium! 

This activity is to create your own Roman! Using the information from the previous activities, draw your Roman in front of the Eldion Hills. Important things to think about: Who is your character? What job do they have? Are they a farmer, a soldier or perhaps a shopkeeper? Remember their jobs will determine what they are wearing,  what tools or animals they may have and what they can afford to buy! Tell a story of where in Trimontium they would live and why.

Create Your Own Roman!

The Romans used writing tablets made of wood and filled with wax to write to each other.  In Roman Britain we find some tablets asking for more socks to be sent to the them from the south (France and Italy). Not only the soldiers wrote in these tablets, we also find a tablet from an officer's wife, inviting someone to a party. How was life in a Roman fort different from life today? How is it similar?  Imagine the space is a Roman writing tablet, use your digital 'stylus' to write your own message to a friend or family member. Explain some of the differences and similarities of life in Roman Scotland or 'Caledonia' compared to life today. Write about at least 1 similarity and 1 difference.

Roman Writing Tablet

Welcome to the very edge of the Roman Empire. The Scottish Borders have a rich history dating back to ancient times. The Roman Iron Age in the region presents a complex history of invasion, occupation and enslavement, but also of trade, cultural exchange and diversity.
Guiding Questions; 1. How do different cultural groups affect the natural and cultural environments around them?  2. What characteristics made someone a Roman/what characteristics define people's cultural identities?  3. What are the human stories behind archaeological artefacts?

Educator Overview - A Roman Frontier Fort in Scotland  MDL.pdf

A Roman Frontier Fort in Scotland

Geography

Social Studies

World History

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

A Roman Frontier Fort in Scotland

How the Romans Changed Britain

Guiding Question

In the beginning....