Romans
Scotland before the Romans
In Roman times, the area now known as Scotland was called ‘Caledonia’. But who lived there? What did they wear? Where did they live and how did they survive?
The Roman army
The Romans needed a powerful army to invade foreign lands and defend their empire. But what exactly made the Roman army so successful?
The first Roman invasion of Scotland
The Romans invaded Caledonia (Scotland) in 79 AD. Caledonian tribes pushed back against the Romans in a battle called Mons Graupius in 83 AD. But who won and did victory last?
The Antonine Wall
The Antonine Wall was built by the Romans between the Firth of Clyde and Firth of Forth. Started in 143AD, it took around ten years to complete. But what was the wall like?
Life in a Roman fort
Forts were camps where Roman soldiers lived. They were often built along the borders of the Roman Empire to help defend it. But what was it like to enter a fort?
Roman gods and beliefs
The Romans believed in a lot of gods and made offerings to them for protection and blessing. But why so many gods?
The final Roman invasion of Scotland
The Romans invaded Caledonia (Scotland) three times. The last time was in 209 AD under Emperor Severus. But why was it their last invasion?
Scotland after the Romans
Although the Romans didn't stay in Caledonia for very long they certainly left their mark, including on what you eat now! But what else did they leave us with?
Video playlist
A map of Roman roads in Britain. Video
The Romans developed a network of roads around Britain aiding travel and communication.
Why did the Romans leave Caledonia? Video
A look at the tactical reasons for the Roman retreat from Caledonia.
Life as a Roman soldier. Video
What was life like for a Roman soldier?
Why did the Romans come to Caledonia? Video
The Romans wanted to expand their Empire into Scotland.
A tour of a Roman Villa. Video
What life would have been like in a luxury Roman villa.
How Roman cities were designed and built. Video
How much evidence of the Romans can be found in the modern St Albans?
Did the Romans mix with Scottish tribes? Video
After initial resistance, some Celtic tribes had more amicable relations with the Romans.
Hadrian's Wall. Video
Hadrian's Wall was built by the Roman army to mark the boundaries of the Roman Empire.
Why did the Romans build walls? Video
Roman walls were built to protect themselves from enemy tribes in the north.
Roman army. Video
The armour, equipment, weapons and tactics employed by the Roman army.
Food and drink brought to Britain by the Romans. Video
Adam Hart-Davis introduces the food, wines and recipes from the Roman era.
How Roman Baths worked. Video
Rom and Romola take a tour of the Roman baths complex in Bath.
The legend of the Roman Ninth Legion. Video
The legend of the Ninth Legion brings in to question the accuracy of historic sources.
What did the Romans invent? Video
The Romans did not invent all the things we thought they did.
What were the Romans' religious beliefs? Video
The Romans worshipped a number of different gods.
Why did Julius Caesar come to Britain? Video
Julius Caesar and the Roman army's invasion of Britain.
Did the Romans invade Scotland? Video
The Roman invasion reached some parts of southern Scotland.
What did we do for the Romans? Video
Caledonian tribes worked for the Romans in return for their protection.
Boudicca's attack on Colchester. Video
A discussion between a Celt and a Roman about the attack on Colchester by Boudicca.
