Roadschool Trip to Vindolanda & Ancient Roman Forts

 

Just south of Hadrian's Wall is the Roman fort of Vindolanda. Archaeologists have determined that it was occupied from about 85 to 370 AD. One of the most fascinating things on display is a set of wooden tablets that are the oldest handwritten documents...and history doesn't change that much —one of the tablets is a birthday party invitation!

After being abandoned, the site was stumbled upon by hikers and travelers who described its ruins over the years, but it wasn't until the mid 18th century that archaeologists became interested in excavations. Today, it is still being excavated and you can apply to help with the archaeological dig as a volunteer.

Adjacent to the fort, as with many of the Roman forts, was a self-governing village with several rows of buildings. This would be a place for families and other camp followers. Remains of these buildings can still be seen today outside the fort walls. A number of amazing archaeological finds can be found in the Vindolanda museum, including tatted lace that is nearly two thousand years old and still intact! Other exhibits include Roman boots, shoes, armor, jewelry, and coins.

Throughout history, the Roman legion had a reputation for being fierce and invincible. They were well-organized and could quickly take over a region. Most soldiers were from the plebian class, and officers had to be able to afford their own horses, as they were not supplied by the government. Each man in the army served for a minimum of twenty-five years before retirement, so it was a life pledge. Upon completion of service, he was granted land and a small pension.

Upon joining the ranks, a man was issued his uniform of rectangular shield, short sword, dagger, chain mail jacket, lorica segmentata, belt, helmet, kilt, shirt, and sandals. Each legion had its own name, number, and special banner. Within each legion, the centuries also had special banners. It was similar to the way that Boy Scouts are set up - with each troop being divided into patrols.

As legions moved around, they built camps, towers, and roads -- leading to the saying "All roads lead to Rome." Many of the earliest architectural finds uncovered through Europe can be traced back to these legions.

Pick up activities and worksheets to augment your real or virtual trip in the unit study bundle below!

Explore the art, history, geography, food, and culture of England in this cross-curricular unit study….perfect for families getting ready to travel abroad or folks who want to travel via unit studies!  Each stop along the roadschooling trip covers a different facet of history and culture with unit information, resources, worksheets, activities, and more...  

YES!  I want 122 pages of FUN STUDIES!

Table of Contents:

• o Introduction & Geography of England
• o Portsmouth
  • o The Mary Rose & naval archaeology
• o London
  • o The British Museum & archaeology
  • o The Wallace Collection & medieval history
  • o The Tower of London / London Bridge & the Tudors
  • o Buckingham Palace & royalty
  • o Victoria and Albert Museum & medieval art
  • o Thames / Globe Theater & Shakespeare
  • o Sherlock Holmes Museum & British Literature
  • o Abbey Road & British Invasion
• o Leeds
  • o Royal Armouries & middle ages
• o York
  • o Jorvik & Vikings
  • o York Castle & archaeology
• o Haltwhistle
  • o Hadrian’s Wall & ancient Celts
  • o Vindolanda & archaeology
• o Alnwick
  • o Alnwick Castle & architecture
  • o Poison Garden & herbs
  • o Barter Books & WW2 history
• o Alnmouth
  • o North Sea & train history
• o Newcastle o Segedunum & ancient Romans
• o Tips & Tricks for Travelling in England