LKS2 Topic: The Romans in Britain Block G: Roman Army and Busts
The Roman Army was disciplined and effective. What was its organisation? What were the Roman
soldiers like and why did so many Britons join the Roman army? Learn about the army and then use this
knowledge to help understand how Roman busts differed from their Greek equivalent. Create Roman
Busts in relief from clay.
Block G: Roman Army and
Busts
[4 sessions]
By the end of this block you will
have achieved the following
outcomes:
Session 1: History
Understanding why the Roman
army was so powerful
Chn learn about the Roman army
and train together, being given
orders by a centurion. They act
out a battle.
Session 2: Art and History
Understanding the power of the
Roman army through 3D art
Chn explore some of the features
of the Roman Army by looking at
the differences between Roman
& Greek busts.
Session 3: Art and History
Recording initial observations of
impact of facial expressions in
sketch books and experimenting
with clay
Children start to plan and design
their Roman busts, thinking
about the features and
expression of a soldier in the
Roman Army.
Main outcome: Art
Other outcomes: History
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A clay bust with clear facial expression.
An understanding of the historical and cultural development of their art forms.
An understanding of how art and design reflect history.
An ability to evaluate and analyse their work and the work of others.
The use of observations recorded in sketch books to review and revisit ideas
A developing mastery of art and design techniques (clay sculpture).
An understanding of the importance of Roman busts as historical evidence and
their cultural and artistic significance.

An understanding of the significance of the Roman army to the Empire’s
success.
 An understanding of how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a
range of sources.
 To address and devise historically valid questions about change, cause,
similarity and difference and significance.
 To develop a chronologically secure knowledge of world history, establishing
clear narratives within and across the Roman era.
Children will
 Explore and discuss the power of the army of the Roman Empire.
 Understand why the Roman army was so successful.
Children will
 Understand the impact of a facial expression.
 Discuss the impression that a range of Roman busts have (fierce, calm,
regal).
 Understand why important Romans would want to be remembered in a
particular way.
 Compare Roman portraits with Greek.
Children will
 Experiment and develop their ideas in sketch books from observations.
 Sketch their face in a range of different expressions.
 Experiment with clay.
 Use clay tools to create different effects.
 Appreciate that the style and expression of Roman busts reflects the power
and position of the Roman army within Roman culture.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
LKS2 Topic: The Romans in Britain Block G: Roman Army and Busts
Session 4: Art and History
Creating a fierce depiction of
themselves from clay
Children re-cap all they have
learned about the Roman Army.
Then they create a Roman bust in
relief from clay.
Children will
 Create a clay bust based on their ‘fierce’ sketch.
 Improve and develop their clay modelling techniques.
 Relate the expression and style of a Roman bust to what they know about
Roman army and culture.
Resources
Session 1
Provided: Non-fiction text on Roman Army/ soldiers and Gaius Marius.
You will need: Bean bags; Large pieces of cardboard.
Session 2
Provided: Images of Roman and Greek busts.
You will need: Mirrors
Session 3
Provided: Images of different faces.
You will need: Mirrors; Sketchbooks; Pencils; Clay; Clay tools; Digital camera.
Session 4
Provided: Outline of bust.
You will need: Sketchbooks; Clay; Clay tools; Clay boards (enough for 1 each); Plastic bags (enough for
1 each).
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.