Roman Roads - PowerPoint

The PowerPoint on Roman Roads is an educational resource designed to teach students about the construction techniques and significance of Roman roads. The objective is for learners to understand how these ancient highways were engineered by the Romans. The presentation includes an invitation to view a short film that provides visual context and further information on the subject. Roman roads were meticulously built to be as straight as possible, which served a strategic purpose for quick military movements and reduced the risk of ambush. Notable examples of Roman roads in Britain include Watling Street, Ermine Street, and Foss Way. By 100AD, over 8,000 miles of roads had been constructed across Britain, primarily by Roman soldiers.

The importance of these roads extended beyond military utility, as they were vital for trade, which in turn increased the empire's wealth through taxes. The roads were designed to be safe and efficient, facilitating the daily activities of Roman officials, merchants, and traders. However, the decline of these roads began after the Romans left Britain. The Saxons did not maintain the roads due to their unsuitability for Saxon footwear and horses, fears of invasion using the roads, and the loss of the Roman skill of making cement. The PowerPoint concludes with activities to assess understanding, including questions about the purpose and construction of Roman roads and instructions for learners to create a guide on building a Roman road, highlighting the need for clear step-by-step instructions and diagrams for comprehension.