Activity highlight

Make an edible Roman fort

Learn about the fascinating archaeology of Roman forts and have a go at creating your own edible version from biscuits and sweets!

The Romans invaded Britain in 43AD and the building of military forts was key to establishing their control. Forts were where soldiers would live, train and where important military decisions were made. Sometimes a fort would later grow a colonia (civilian settlement) beyond its walls where non-military people would live and work, providing food and resources for the army. Some of these forts and their surrounding settlements are still towns today, such as York, Lincoln and Chester. Other forts did not spawn large towns but were positioned defensively along Hadrian’s Wall for military operations.

Roman forts in Britain usually had the same features such as a distinctive rectangular shape resembling a playing card, barrack blocks where soldiers would live and a principia or headquarters building at the centre. Many forts are still visible above-ground today and are exciting visitor attractions, whereas others are not visible or only partially visible. In recent years archaeologists have used technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to detect the remains of Roman forts underground without having to dig.

This activity was inspired by Humber YAC who enjoyed learning about their own local Roman fort of Petuaria (Brough) and recreated it in edible form!