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Roman sites in Great Britain facts for kids

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Iter.Britanniarum
Main Roman cities and roads in Roman Britain, according to the "Antonine Itinerary"

Did you know that ancient Romans lived in Great Britain for nearly 400 years? They built amazing cities, forts, and roads that you can still see today! These places help us understand what life was like when Britain was part of the Roman Empire. Many of these Roman sites are open for you to explore, and some are even hidden in plain sight, like old Roman roads.

Exploring Roman Britain

The Romans left their mark all over Britain. From mighty walls to grand villas, their buildings tell stories of soldiers, emperors, and everyday life. Let's take a look at some of the most exciting Roman places you can visit across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Roman Roads: Ancient Highways

The Romans were master builders, especially when it came to roads. These straight, strong roads helped their armies move quickly and made trade easier. Many modern roads still follow the paths of these ancient routes!

Roman Sites in England

England has many incredible Roman sites, from huge walls to hidden villas.

Hadrian's Wall: A Giant Barrier

Hadrian's Wall is one of the most famous Roman sites. It's a huge stone wall that stretched across northern England, built to protect the Roman Empire from tribes to the north. You can walk along parts of it and visit forts along its length.

Cheshire: Roman Chester

Deva Victrix in Chester was a very important Roman fortress. Today, you can still see parts of the Roman city and even a large amphitheatre where gladiators might have fought!

Cumbria: Forts and Baths

Cumbria is home to several Roman forts, many of which were part of or near Hadrian's Wall. You can also find Roman bathhouses here.

Derbyshire: Roman Towns and Roads

Derbyshire has Roman towns and roads, showing how the Romans spread across the land.

Devon: Roman Exeter

Isca Dumnoniorum was the Roman name for Exeter. You can still see parts of the old Roman city walls, which were later built over in medieval times.

Dorset: Temples and Forts

Dorset offers a glimpse into Roman religious life with its temples and military presence with its forts.

Durham: Northern Outposts

County Durham has several Roman forts that were important for controlling the northern parts of Roman Britain.

Essex: Important Roman Cities

Essex was home to some very significant Roman settlements, including the first capital of Roman Britain.

  • Camulodunum (Roman Colchester): This was the first capital of Roman Britain. You can see Britain's oldest Roman wall and a well-preserved Roman gateway here.
  • Caesaromagus (Roman Chelmsford): A Roman fort grew into a civilian town.

Gloucestershire: Villas and Cities

Gloucestershire is rich in Roman history, with impressive villas and important cities.

Greater Manchester: Forts and Towns

This area was important for Roman control of the north-west.

Hampshire: Forts and Villas

Hampshire has Roman forts that guarded the coast and beautiful villas.

Hertfordshire: Roman Towns and Baths

Hertfordshire offers insights into Roman town life and bathing habits.

Isle of Wight: Island Villas

Even the Isle of Wight has Roman villas, showing how widespread Roman influence was.

Kent: Coastal Defenses

Kent's Roman sites often relate to its coastal position, important for trade and defense.

Leicestershire: Crossroads of Roads

Leicestershire was a meeting point for Roman roads.

Lancashire: Northern Forts

Lancashire had several forts that were part of the Roman military network.

Lincolnshire: A Roman Capital

Lincolnshire was home to a significant Roman city.

London: Londinium

Modern London was once Londinium, a bustling Roman city.

Northamptonshire: Villas and Towns

Northamptonshire has several Roman villas and towns.

Northumberland: Hadrian's Wall and Beyond

Northumberland is famous for its section of Hadrian's Wall and the forts associated with it.

  • Coria, Corbridge: A Roman site and museum.
  • Housesteads (Vercovicium): A well-known fort on Hadrian's Wall.
  • Vindolanda: A fort with amazing Roman finds, including wooden writing tablets, in its museum.

North Yorkshire: Roman York

Eboracum was a very important Roman city and military base.

Oxfordshire: Roman Villas

Oxfordshire has notable Roman villas.

Shropshire: Wroxeter

Viroconium Cornoviorum in Wroxeter was one of the largest Roman cities in Britain.

Somerset: Roman Bath

Aquae Sulis (Roman Bath) is famous for its incredible Roman baths, built around natural hot springs.

Staffordshire: Letocetum

Letocetum, near Lichfield, was a Roman posting station and settlement.

Tyne and Wear: Forts and Museums

This area has important Roman forts and a museum with many Roman artifacts.

Warwickshire: Lunt Fort

Lunt Fort, near Coventry, is a reconstructed Roman fort.

West Sussex: Palaces and Villas

West Sussex is home to grand Roman palaces and villas.

Roman Sites in Scotland

The Romans built another great wall in Scotland, the Antonine Wall, and established forts further north.

Roman Sites in Wales

Wales has many Roman forts and the only Roman town in Wales.

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