Who was in charge of such a giant empire? The emperor! The first emperor was Augustus, who began his rule in 27 BC. He brought peace after years of fighting, fixed roads, and made Rome beautiful. Romans said he found a city of brick and left it a city of marble!
The empire was protected by the mighty Roman army. Soldiers called legionaries wore metal armor and helmets, and carried a sword, a spear, and a big curved shield. They marched together in groups of about 5,000 called legions.
Roman soldiers were famous for teamwork. In the 'tortoise' formation, they locked their shields together over their heads and sides — like a turtle shell — so arrows and rocks bounced right off! Soldiers also built roads, bridges, and forts wherever they went.
1. Who was the first Roman emperor?
2. What was a legion?
3. How did the 'tortoise' formation protect soldiers?
1. The ruler of the Roman Empire was called the .
2. The first emperor was named .
3. A group of about 5,000 soldiers was a .
4. In the formation, soldiers looked like a turtle.
5. Soldiers locked their together for protection.
Write YES if a Roman soldier used it, or NO if he did not.
| Gear | YES or NO? |
|---|---|
| Metal helmet | |
| Curved shield | |
| Laser blaster | |
| Short sword | |
| Bicycle | |
| Spear |
You need: couch cushions or pieces of cardboard and at least one helper.
Try the tortoise formation! Hold your 'shields' over your heads and sides while a grown-up gently tosses a soft ball or rolled socks. Did your shell protect you? Roman teamwork in action!
1. Why was teamwork so important for Roman soldiers?
2. Why do you think soldiers also built roads and bridges?