Why do you think the Romans believed that the Iron Age people were primitive? - Worksheet

The Romans may have perceived the Iron Age people as primitive for several reasons. Firstly, the Romans had a complex social structure and legal system, advanced engineering and architectural capabilities, and a well-organised military, which may have contrasted sharply with the tribal communities and simpler lifestyles of the Iron Age inhabitants. Additionally, the Romans had developed sophisticated technologies such as aqueducts, road networks, and public baths, which were likely absent in Iron Age settlements. The disparity in these developments could have led the Romans to view the Iron Age people as less civilised or less advanced by comparison.

Between the end of the Iron Age and the end of the Roman occupation, Britain underwent significant changes. The Romans introduced new infrastructure, including roads, towns, and fortifications, which altered the landscape and the way of life. They also brought new agricultural practices, trade opportunities, and a wealth of cultural influences from across the Roman Empire. Upon their arrival in Britain, the Romans found a land divided into various tribal kingdoms, with inhabitants living in hill forts and small villages, largely self-sufficient and without the urbanisation that characterised Roman settlements. These initial observations by the Romans might have contributed to their belief that the Iron Age people were primitive.