Printable
Design Your Own Roman Shield
History through making. Look at the geometry and symbolism of Roman shields, then design one — colours, motifs, legion name and all — before building it from cardboard.
Ages
7-9, 9-11
Level
Lower KS2, Upper KS2
Subject
History
Duration
60 min
What you'll need
- Printed template
- Colouring materials
- Cardboard (optional)
What the learner will explore
- Roman army life
- Symbols and identity
- Pattern and symmetry
How to do it
- 1
Read the one-page briefing on the scutum.
- 2
Sketch two design ideas.
- 3
Colour your final design on the template.
- 4
Scale it up onto cardboard if you want to hold it.
Make it easier
Colour the ready-made design rather than creating one.
Make it harder
Write a short legion motto in Latin and explain each symbol.
Try it differently
Design a shield for a modern team or family instead.
Related activities
Voleio activities are ideas and planning support, not educational or medical assessment.