This elementary Latin course for 7 10 year olds combines a basic introduction to the Latin language with material on the history and culture of Roman Britain. Highly illustrated, the book contains a mixture of stories and myths, grammar explanations and exercises, and background cultural information. Pupils are drawn into the material as they read about the lives of a family living in a community at Vindolanda; the adventures of the children and the family cat and mouse provide interest throughout. As well as offering a lively introduction to Latin and classical studies, Minimus also has cross-curricular relevance. The material on the community at Vindolanda can be used to supplement studies of the Romans at KS2. The grammatical content helps to develop language awareness, and provides a solid foundation from which learners can progress to further English or foreign language studies.

1. Meet the family; 2. Food, glorious food; 3. Work, work, work; 4. The best days of your life; 5. Romans and Britons; 6. Off to town; 7. The military machine; 8. Time for a bath; 9. The soldier's life; 10. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; 11. Some sad news; 12. Gods! Hear our prayers.