Boudica revolts

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Boudica revolts

Illustration in expressive style. A house burns on the left, and more burning buildings can be seen in the distance. In the foreground a group of Roman soldiers with swords attack a woman, other people run away.

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Boudica's revolt against the Romans, artist's reconstruction

Who was Boudica?

Boudica was the Queen of the Iceni tribe. They lived in East Anglia before the Romans arrived. In AD60 she led a rebellion against the Romans.

Boudica's husband had died. The Romans treated Boudica and her daughters very cruelly. The Iceni and another local tribe, the Trinovantes, hated the Romans. Together they were already prepared to rebel. The Romans' treatment of Boudica was the last straw.

Photograph of three human skulls in a line

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Skulls from Walbrook stream, victims of Boudica's army?

What happened next?

Boudica and her army attacked Colchester, taking the Roman garrison by surprise. Then they headed for London, defeating the Ninth Legion on the way.

Governor Paulinus and most of the Roman army were away fighting in Wales. Paulinus rushed back to meet Boudica's army. There were not enough soldiers to defend Londinium. Paulinus ordered the townspeople to evacuate.

How did it end?

Boudica's army spent several days in London, burning the buildings and killing anyone who was left. The Roman army returned. A major battle was fought. The Britons had no chance against 10 000 Roman troops. Boudica committed suicide.

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