The Legend of the Iceni Queen

Written history tells us that" Boadicea" was a warrior queen during the Roman rule of Britain in or about A.D 60. Following the death of her mate King Prasutagas of the Iceni, her destiny became clear. She was to lead a great revolt against the most powerful military force of the age. The Roman army and all its splendor was to suffer a humiliating defeat at her hands. Boadicea like most Celtic women of that era were well versed in the use of deadly weapons and the art of war.

Most of what is known about this period comes from the early Roman scholars, like Tacitus and Cassius Dio. Sadly, there is not much information available regarding her early life or her youth in Camulodunum. What we do know about "Boadicea" or "Boadica" as she is sometimes called, is that she was born into an elite tribal family around 30 A.D. At the age of 18, she became the chosen woman of Prasutagas, the king of the Iceni tribe. The area in which they lived is now known as East Anglia.

Boadicea as shown on a engraving from the 19th century held at the Trust Photo Library/Art Resource, NY

The Roman historian Cassius Dio described the Celtic queen in this way, "In stature she was very tall, in appearance most terrifying, in the glance of her eye most fierce, and her voice was harsh; a great mass of the tawniest hair fell to her hips, around her neck was a large golden necklace and she wore a tunic of many colors."

Following the Roman defeat the Celtic tribes were forced to submit to the Roman Empires will. Prasutagas was allowed to continue as king and warlord in exchange for cooperation with the Romans oppressive rule. If the king had not agreed to the terms he and his people would have been slaughtered.

Queen Boadicea had 2 daughters from a previous liaison prior to being the warlords chosen woman. Unfortunately they had no natural children together. The king being without a male heir after his death provided the Romans with a good excuse to take his kingdom, his family’s land and all their property. To add insult to injury it is said the Romans beat Boadicea in public and following her humiliation the soldiers were told to rape her daughters in front of her.

Tacitus documented her promise of vengeance, "Nothing is safe from Roman pride and arrogance. They will deface the sacred and will deflower our virgins. Win the battle or perish, that is what I, a woman, will do.”

It was after this outrage that Boadicea led her tribe in revolt against the Roman Empire's formidable army. Guias Paulinas was the governor of the province at the time and was responsible for carrying out the interests of Rome. The defeat of the Roman 9th Legion fell upon his watch and so did the consequences. Queen Boadicea and her followers went on to destroy Camulodunum the capital of Roman Britain. A great battle then ensued as Boadicea and her army traveled on to London and Verulamium in an attempt to destroy and drive out the current rulers.

Route of the great battle

The Roman commander gathered his army to confront Boadicea and her followers in a battle to the death. From London to Northamptonshire the Roman army raged to defeat Queen Boadicea. Most of her followers were massacred. It is thought Boadicea and her 2 daughters killed themselves by taking poison rather then to endure certain torture and eventual death at the hands of the Romans. No one really knows their fate, but that is part of the mystique surrounding the Queen of the Iceni.

Queen Boudica statue near Westminster Pier in London

Queen Boadicea and her tribal army massacred many thousands of the Roman soldiers and loyalist Britons. An amazing feat considering how well armed and skilled the soldiers were during that period in history. Although her revolt was unsuccessful Boadicea's name and legend is held reverently in the hearts and minds of many as a symbol of courage and freedom. She is certainly one of my heroines.