Bournemouth University (BU) archaeological research has revealed that Iron Age British ruler ‘Verica’ who was central to the Roman Invasion of Britain AD 43 was in fact a woman. This discovery re-writes the history of early Roman Britain.
Verica was a ruler of the Atrebates, a tribe whose territory covered much of modern-day Hampshire and West Sussex. Around 40 AD Verica was ousted from power and fled Britain to the emperor Claudius in Rome. Claudius was treated harshly by Roman writers, who portrayed him as weak-minded and ineffective, his policy decisions being dictated by women and freed slaves.
According to Roman historian Cassius Dio, the invasion of Britian only happened because Verica persuaded Claudius to cross the channel.
Dr Miles Russell, Director of Archaeological Fieldwork at BU, who led the research said: “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.”
One obvious clue that Dr Russell points out is that the name ‘Verica’ ends with a letter ‘a’ which was common for female names at the time, such as Cartimandua of the Brigantes (in Yorkshire) and Boudica of the Iceni (in Norfolk). All three were from the same time period and, although Boudica is certainly the most famous, leading a revolt against the Roman invaders in AD 60, Dr Russell argues that Verica was in fact a more powerful and influential ruler of the period.
Dr Russell said: “People also assume she was a ‘he’ because of the term ‘rex’ on coins, but rex is a nongender specific title, both male and female kings were recognised 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 authorisation of the emperor.“
The theory is strengthened by the imagery used by Verica on her coins, 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.”
Dr Russell continued: “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.”
Verica was a major political player in late Iron Age Britain, albeit one whose story has been largely overlooked. “We should take the archaeological evidence at face value” says 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.”
The research adds to previous BU research into the role of women in Iron Age Britain. Last year research involving Dr Russell and colleagues at BU found evidence of a matriarchal society where husbands moved in to live with their wives’ community.
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 .