Conny Waters - AncientPages.com - One of the most critical figures in British history—the Iron Age ruler whose exile directly triggered the Roman invasion of AD 4 has been unmasked as a woman, shattering centuries of historical consensus.
Groundbreaking archaeological research from Bournemouth University (BU) reveals that "Verica," the long-presumed male king of the Atrebates tribe, was in fact a powerful queen. The discovery fundamentally rewrites the history of early Roman Britain and our understanding of the ancient world.
Credit: Miles Russell and Macsen Russell
Verica ruled the Atrebates, a tribe occupying much of present-day Hampshire and West Sussex. Around 40 AD, Verica was deposed and fled Britain, seeking refuge with Emperor Claudius in Rome. Roman writers often depicted Claudius as weak-minded and ineffective, claiming his decisions were influenced by women and freed slaves.
Roman historian Cassius Dio states that Claudius invaded Britain only after Verica persuaded him to cross the Channel.
“Verica is assumed to have been male because of the patriarchal mindset of 19th-century classical historians. Verica was not only critical to the special relationship between Britain and Rome in the early first century AD but was indisputably female,” Dr Miles Russell, Director of Archaeological Fieldwork at BU and lead researcher, said.
Dr Russell notes that the name ‘Verica’ ends with ‘a,’ a common feature of female names at the time, such as Cartimandua of the Brigantes and Boudica of the Iceni. All three lived during the same period. While Boudica is best known for leading a revolt against the Romans in AD 60, Dr Russell argues that Verica was actually a more powerful and influential ruler.
Gold coin of Verica: a naked, horse-riding female warrior with a spear, with VIR (for Verica) and REX. Credit: Museums Victoria Collections - CC BY 4.0
Dr Russell said: “People also assume she was a ‘he’ because of the term ‘rex’ on coins, but rex is a non gender specific title, both male and female kings were recognized by Rome, Cleopatra of Egypt being the most famous.” He continued: “The use of the Latin title rex on coins shows that Verica ruled with the full authorization of the emperor.“
The imagery on Verica's coins strengthens the theory, as Dr Russell explained: “Whilst other coin producing British Iron Age leaders portray obviously male warriors, Verica is depicted as a slender, feminine, bare-breasted figure riding on horseback.”
“The story of Claudius committing to something only because a woman told him to fits the trope of this emperor as being submissive and henpecked. In effect, Dio was saying that the campaign was undertaken solely because of the whisperings of a barbarian femme fatale. Verica’s role was rather more central to the British expedition. Having her onboard ensured the project was a success as she provided tactical information and support on the ground.
The invasion was Claudius’ great triumph - it being the only chance he had to prove he was a successful military leader. Verica provided the excuse for regime change and the emperor seized it,” the researcher explained.
Silver coin of Verica showing a naked, horse-riding female warrior with a spear. Credit: Chris Rudd Ltd.
Verica was a major political player in late Iron Age Britain, though her story has been largely overlooked. “We should take the archaeological evidence at face value” says Dr. Russell “and remember Verica as a female-king and one of the earliest and most important of British female leaders. Had she not been deposed, fleeing to Claudius for military support, Rome may never have invaded Britain in the first place.”
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This research builds on previous BU studies of women’s roles in Iron Age Britain. Last year, Dr Russell and colleagues found evidence of a matriarchal society in which husbands joined their wives’ communities.
The research for Verica, presented in a new book ‘Caratacus: Great king of Britain’, published by Bloomsbury in January (ISBN 9781350477902), is discussed in the latest edition of Current Archaeology.
Source: Bournemouth University
Written by Conny Waters - AncientPages.com Staff Writer
