History · Colouring and labelling worksheet
Label a Roman Soldier: Free KS2 History Worksheet
This free printable worksheet supports the popular KS2 history topic on the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain. Children colour a single Roman legionary and then label his main pieces of kit, learning how a well-equipped, well-drilled army helped Rome conquer and hold so much territory, including parts of Britain.
The sheet prints cleanly to one A4 page and works well as a starter, a homework task or a quiet follow-up to a lesson on the Roman conquest. A word bank is included so the labelling activity stays accessible for the full age range.
Label a Roman Soldier
Free History worksheet · Ages 7 to 9
Activity 1
Colour the Roman soldier. Roman shields were often painted in bright reds and yellows, so use bold colours for his shield and helmet crest.
- Colour the helmet crest red.
- Colour the large rectangular shield in bright colours.
- Colour the body armour silver or grey.
- Colour the tunic and sandals brown.
Activity 2
Look at the soldier and label each part. Write the correct word from the word bank next to each piece of equipment, then say what it was used for.
The crested item worn on the head for protection
The metal plates worn over the tunic to protect the body
The large rectangular object held in one hand for defence
The long spear thrown at the enemy before close fighting
The short stabbing weapon kept at the belt
The laced footwear worn for long marches
Label a Roman Soldierowee.worldAnswer key
- The crested item worn on the head for protection — helmet
- The metal plates worn over the tunic to protect the body — body armour
- The large rectangular object held in one hand for defence — shield
- The long spear thrown at the enemy before close fighting — javelin
- The short stabbing weapon kept at the belt — sword
- The laced footwear worn for long marches — sandals
What children learn from this worksheet
The worksheet focuses on the equipment of a Roman legionary — a full-time professional soldier in the Roman army. Children identify and name six core items: the crested helmet, the segmented body armour, the large rectangular shield, the javelin, the short sword and the soldier's tunic and sandals. Naming and locating each item helps children build subject vocabulary and connect an object to its purpose, which is exactly the kind of enquiry the KS2 history curriculum encourages.
Why the Roman army was so effective
The kit on this sheet was not just for show. The heavy javelin (the pilum) was thrown to break up an enemy charge before close fighting began. The short, stabbing sword (the gladius) was deadly in the tight press of battle, while the large curved shield (the scutum) protected the soldier and could be locked together with others to form a wall. Combined with iron discipline, regular pay and constant training, this equipment helped Rome win battles far from home — including during the conquest of Britain that began under Emperor Claudius in AD 43.
How this links to the Roman conquest of Britain
Studying a legionary's equipment is a concrete way into the bigger story of Rome in Britain. The same soldiers who carried this kit built the roads, forts and frontier walls (such as Hadrian's Wall) that left a lasting mark on the landscape. Encouraging children to think about why an army with this equipment could march so far, and what it might have been like to face it, supports the curriculum aim of understanding the Roman Empire's impact on Britain rather than simply listing facts.
How to use the sheet at home or in class
Read the equipment names together before children begin, then let them colour the legionary however they like — historical Roman shields were often painted in bright reds and yellows, so creativity is welcome. For the labelling task, encourage children to use the word bank and to say out loud what each item was for. As an extension, ask a confident child to explain in one sentence why an army with this kit had such an advantage over its enemies.
Frequently asked questions
What equipment did a Roman soldier carry?
A Roman legionary typically carried a crested helmet, segmented body armour worn over a short tunic, a large rectangular shield, a heavy throwing javelin (the pilum), a short stabbing sword (the gladius) at the belt, and laced sandals. This worksheet asks children to colour and label each of these items.
What age and key stage is this worksheet for?
It is designed for children aged 7 to 9, which covers Years 3 and 4 in KS2. The labelling task includes a word bank so it can also be used with slightly younger or older children studying the Romans.
How does this link to the National Curriculum?
It supports the KS2 history topic 'the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain', and in particular the suggested focus on the Roman conquest and the power of the Roman army. It also helps children practise using historical terms and describing key features of the past.
Is the worksheet free to download and print?
Yes. The worksheet is completely free, requires no sign-up to print, and is designed to fit on a single A4 page so it is easy to use at home or in the classroom.
What was the most important weapon of a Roman soldier?
There was no single most important item, as they worked together. The pilum (javelin) was thrown to disrupt the enemy, the gladius (short sword) was used for close-quarters fighting, and the scutum (large shield) gave protection and could be locked with others to form a wall. Discipline and training mattered just as much as any one weapon.
Curriculum links
- KS2 History: 'the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain' as a required area of study.
- KS2 History: this may include 'the Roman conquest, including the power of the Roman army' (a suggested example within the unit).
- KS2 History: develop the use of historical terms and the ability to describe and understand key features of the past.
- KS2 History: understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed by exploring objects and evidence such as soldiers' equipment.
Made by The Owee education team. Updated 02/06/2026. Free to print and share.
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