How far religion changed under Roman rule
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how far religion changed in Britain after the Celts were conquered.
Key learning points
- Like the Ancient Romans, whose beliefs had been influenced by the Ancient Greeks, the Celtic people were polytheistic.
- In Britain, the Ancient Romans introduced their own gods and wiped out the druids (Celtic religious leaders) in 60CE.
- Elsewhere the Ancient Romans were tolerant of Celtic religion, allowing it to continue alongside some of their gods.
- Evidence shows us that religious change was slow, and often in combination with existing beliefs.
Keywords
Polytheism - when people believe in many gods and goddesses, it is called polytheism
Barbarian - a barbarian was what the Ancient Romans called anyone who did not follow Greek or Roman traditions
Druids - the druids were priests of the Celtic religion who believed they could communicate with their gods and goddesses
Ancestor - an ancestor is someone's family member from the past
Common misconception
Pupils may gain the impression that the Ancient Romans destroyed all aspects of Celtic worship.
Remind pupils that although the druids were wiped out, the worship of Celtic gods was tolerated as long as Ancient Roman ones were also respected.
Teacher tip
Link pupils' knowledge of Ancient Greek civilisation to Ancient Roman polytheism when discussing some of these Ancient Roman gods and goddesses.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Claudius invaded in 43 CE.
Q2.Place these events in order, starting with the oldest.
Q3.Where were the lands of the Iceni tribe?
Q4.Where was the Roman legion that had to march to fight Boudica?
Q5.Which city did Boudica attack after Colchester?
Q6.Boudica and the Celts were trapped by their own ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The Romans and the Celts both believed in polytheism.
Q2.Select a god that was only Celtic.
Q3.Which of these was a Celtic and Roman god combined?
Q4.Important Celtic religious leaders were called ...
Q5.Why did the Romans wipe out the druids?
Q6.Which of these statements best describes how much the Romans changed religion in Britain?
To help you plan your 4 history lesson on: How far religion changed under Roman rule, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 history lesson on: How far religion changed under Roman rule, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the The Romans: what impact did the Romans have on Britain? unit, dive into the full primary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.