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Why the Romans invaded Britain
This Kapow pupil video is part of the Kapow Primary History scheme of work. It explores the reasons behind the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43 and how it changed the country’s history. Pupils learn that before the Romans arrived, Britain was made up of different Celtic tribes and had never been ruled by a single monarch.
The video explains that the Romans were drawn to Britain’s rich natural resources like cattle, gold, tin, and iron, and wanted to expand their empire and power. It shows how Emperor Claudius launched a successful invasion after Julius Caesar’s earlier failed attempts, aiming to bring honour to Rome. Pupils discover how this invasion was not just about land, but also about spreading Roman ideas, building connections, and securing their empire.
The video is designed to be shown to pupils as part of History, Lower key stage 2, Year 3, *New* British history 2: Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain? Lesson 2: Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain?