Boudica

We spell Boudicca as Boadicea or Boudica. This queen of ancient Britain led a mutiny against Roman rule in 60 CE. Prasutagus was the husband of Boudicca. He was the king of the Iceni. In 60, he died with no male heir. So, he left all his wealth to Emperor Nero and his two daughters. He thought that they would win imperial protection for his family.

But it was the Romans who annexed his kingdom. Then, the Romans humiliated his family. Besides, they have plundered the chief tribesmen. In 60 or 61, Suetonius Paulinus, the provincial governor, was absent. Then, she raised a rebellion throughout East Anglia. After that, Camulodunum (Colchester), Verulamium (St. Albans), the mart of Londinium (London), and a few military posts were burned by insurgents. Tacitus, a Roman historian, said her rebels massacred 70,000 Romans and pro-Roman Britons. In addition, the rebels also cut to pieces the Roman 9th Legion.

Her husband had the authority as an independent ally of Rome. Later, he left his kingdom. But he had a will. However, his intention was not fulfilled when he died. As a result, he found his kingdom annexed. They also took the entire wealth. Tacitus said that her daughters got raped, and she was flogged.

Let's know who Boudica is, how she led the Iceni people, how she fought against Suetonius, and how she died.

Who was Boudica?

Queen Boudica was the Celtic Briton king's wife of the Iceni tribe, and we know her as Boadicea or Boudicea in Latin chronicles. She was called Buddug in Welsh.

Queen Boudica History:

We have seen many warriors produced by Britain for a long time. They have fought against enemies so that they can keep their country free. And a lady warrior was there whom we will never forget. She was also one of those who tried to keep Britain free. Her name was Queen Boudica. She was commonly called Boadicea.

She ruled the Iceni tribe of East Anglia with her husband, King Prasutagus. Her appearance was fascinating. Though, She was very tall. She had a distinctive harsh voice. Besides, her reddest hair fell to her hips. In short, she had an impressive appearance.

Suetonius was the Roman Governor of Britain, and he had other plans regarding lands and property. However, after the death of Prasutagus, Roman officers & their slaves plundered all the households and lands.

Later, other Iceni chiefs faced troubles. Besides, their families were also treated like slaves. Britons succeeded at first in an excellent way. The Roman settlement of Camulodunum (Colchester) was under the Britons.

No quarter was given by the Boudica warrior queen and her allies when they won the revolt. Therefore, the defenders fled when Londinium and Verulamium were stormed. In this regard, you should note one thing that we call Londinium, currently London, whereas Verulamium is known as St. Albans. However, after that, they burned the cities.

The Bruins desecrated the Roman cemeteries also. Besides, they mutilated the statues, and a few of these statues are still seen today in Colchester Museum. However, they also broke tombstones.

Early literature:

Her 6th-century work De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae was an early mention, which was done by the British monk Gildas. You can see a female leader here. Gildas described the character as a "treacherous lioness." People can find references to the uprising of 60/61 in Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People (731) and Historia Brittonum, the 9th-century work by the Welsh monk Nennius.

Conclusion:

Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, the Roman governor, was doing campaigns on Mona island, located on the northwest coast of Wales, in 60 or 61. Queen Boudica was the leader of the Iceni and other British tribes. They finished the Camulodunum, which is known as Colchester in recent times. It was the capital of the Trinovantes.

As soon as Suetonius heard of the revolt, he went to Londinium. We currently know Londinium as London. Besides, it was the 20-year-old commercial settlement, the next target of rebels. He didn't have enough numbers to defend the settlement. So, he evacuated the city and left after that.

She was the leader of an army of Iceni, Trinovantes, and others. Not only did she lead them, but she also defeated a detachment of the Legio IX Hispana. In addition, she burnt both Londinium and Verulamium.

Those who were following Boudica killed about 70,000-80,000 Romans and Britons. Later, Suetonius regrouped his forces in the West Midlands. He defeated the Celtic Britons. As a result, Roman emperor Nero withdrew his forces from Britain. However, when Suetonius won against Boudica, it confirmed the Roman control of the province.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What is Boudicca best known for?

She, who was a warrior queen of the Iceni people, lived in East Anglia, England. In addition, she was the leader of Iceni and other peoples in 60–61 CE against Roman rule in a mutiny. She was defeated at last though her forces massacred 70,000 Romans and their supporters.

Q. How did Boudicca die?

She died after getting defeated in her final battle. It is believed that she took poison or got shocked, so she died. Illness is considered one of the reasons behind her death also.

Q. Where is Boudicca buried?

We still don't know the location of Boudicca's grave. However, the location may be Birdlip in Gloucestershire, Stonehenge, Norfolk, or London's Hampstead area. However, a few people said that the grave could be under a train platform at King's Cross Station in London.