Make & colour · Kids’ activities
Make a Roman milestone model
Build a small standing road marker, add Roman numerals and make a route across your tabletop.
Ages 7+ with an adult · 30-45 minutes
Print your activity
Free for home and classroom use. Print single-sided in black and white. Choose 100% or actual size and check the 5 cm line before cutting.
You will need
The two printed pages, paper or thin card, pencil, ruler, scissors, glue stick and optional tape.
Get started
Print the template
Print both A4 pages single-sided at actual size. Check that the printed measurement line is 5 cm long.
Make your message
Colour your marker. Add a place name and a distance in Roman numerals to one blank panel. This is an invented route for your tabletop.
Cut and fold
Ask an adult to help cut the single outside outline. Keep all four tall panels and the top square joined. Fold the dashed lines, including the side tab.
Close the pillar
Glue the shaded side tab behind the opposite edge to make a square pillar. Fold the top square over the opening and secure its edge with a small piece of tape. The bottom stays open.
Plan a journey
Stand it beside a road drawn on spare paper. Add a second marker or your paper house. Which direction does a traveller need to go?
Look a little closer
Roman milestones carried inscriptions along roads. Our square paper marker leaves room for your own place and distance. The finished pillar is 2.5 cm square and 7 cm high.
Explore more
Romans in Britain · Learning resources