This History video introduces Year  3 and 4 pupils to the reasons behind the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43 and how it changed the country’s history. They 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.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s History Year 3 and 4 videos, which enable teachers and pupils to explore the past and understand how it has shaped the world today.

See more of our Year 3 History scheme of work.

• History, Year 3, British history 2: Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain? Lesson 2: Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain?
• History, Year 3, British history 2: Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain?
• History, Y3/4 (A), British history 2: Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain? Lesson 2: Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain?
• History, Y3/4 (A), British history 2: Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain?