In 61 A.D. Boudica led a revolt against the Romans and nearly pushed them out of Britain altogether. After reading about this remarkable woman she became my hero. Hope you enjoy the site, the history starts below, along with Boudica links at the left side.
Boudica's husband was King Prasutagus, and they ruled a tribe of Celts known as the Iceni. The capital was the city of Thetford (in modern Norfolk, which still exists). It was a strategic trading location and they became wealthy, making it a prime target for Roman acquisition. Indeed, the Iceni had been minting their own coins since about 31 A.D., presumably learned from the Greeks.
Prasutagus signed an agreement with the Romans, making him a client king. That meant he would support and provide for the Romans there, and he and his kingdom would be left basically to their own devices. However, he and Boudica only had two daughters, which wasn't a problem for British law; the eldest would inherit the throne. But the Romans didn't recoginize female right to inherit property (or female rights in general). Perhaps Prasutagus realized this since he made out a will in Roman fashion, leaving half his property to the Procurator of Britain Catus Decianus, and half to his young daughters, with his wife Boudica as regent. About 60 or 61 A.D. he died, believing he had provided for the good of all.
The Celts expect that the Romans would renegotiate a new agreement with the new Iceni leader, that is, Boudica. The Procurator, Catus Decianus, marches into the kingdom and takes control. Emperor Nero was exerting direct control of territories (or was attempting to). Decianus is particularly brutal and foolish, marching into Thetford where the Celts welcome them with traditional hospitality as allies. He then confiscates all property and enslaves all the people, including Boudica and her relatives.
Pictures of modern Thetford, and the Thetford welcome sign.
