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	Classiccal Studies
	A Roman Town

The Romans conquered Italy, Gaul, the Balkan Peninsula, Iberia, Portugal, Turkey, the Middle East and the north of Africa all around the Mediterranean Sea. However, we usually forget that they also went as far west as Britain, conquering most of the island except for some parts of Wales and the north of Scotland. This means that they also settled there building their roads, camps and towns. Click here and you will read about Roman towns in Britain. Then do the following activities.

A. Read the introduction and answer the following question:

When Britain was invaded by the Romans in 43AD, what sort of society did they find? What was the difference between both worlds?

The Romans started building their roads and towns. Generally they were strictly planned before they were built, but in some cases (like Chichester, Dorchester, etc.) this did not really happen. Why?

B. Have a look at the layout of a Roman town, then answer these questions.

Describe the general layout of a Roman town.

What do you learn about the traffic in a Roman town?

What buildings could we usually find at the heart of the town? What was their use?

How wide were the roads in a town? What were they made with? What happened to them after heavy use? Any consequences for other buildings?

C. Look at the following map of Camulodunum, present Colchester, a Roman town in Britain. Put what you have read on the website into practice and describe what you see in the map.

Once you have finished this activity don't forget to visit Silchester.