Latin - Roman britain invasion

• Roman emperor Claudius launched an invasion of Britain


  AD 43
• Boudicca


  Leader of the Iceni tribe who led a revolt against the Romans
• Reasons for the Roman invasion of Britain


  • Power - so that Claudius could prove himself
  • Mining - Britain was rich in minerals and iron
  • Land - used for pasture, agriculture, and mining
  • To grow the Roman Empire
• It took the Romans a long time to invade Britain as they were afraid due to the Britons being very skilled, rich and talented fighters
• Prasutagus


  Iceni chieftain, a client-king who paid taxes to the Romans and promised not to rebel
• After Prasutagus died, the Romans confiscated the Iceni's land, flogged Boudicca in public, and Roman soldiers raped her daughters
• Outraged, Boudicca decided to lead a rebellion against Roman rule
• In AD 61, Boudicca united the Iceni, the Trinovantes and other tribes in rebellion
• The tribes all voted for Boudicca to be their leader
• Britons lived in tribes with chieftains who were wealthy landowners maintaining a band of warriors
• Religion was practised by Druids, powerful priests who worshipped in sacred woodlands and may have performed human sacrifice
• Julius Caesar first led soldiers to Britain in exploratory missions


  55 and 54 BC
• Emperor Claudius decided to launch a full invasion of Britain


  43 AD
• Claudius did not fight himself but followed the Roman army and was present at some military victories
• 11 British kings surrendered to Claudius and Britain became a Roman province for the first time, under the governor Aulus Plautius
• Some rulers, like King Cogidubnus, chose to cooperate with the Romans and were rewarded with wealth and power
• The Iceni had initial success and sacked Camulodunum (Colchester), Londinium (London) and Verulamium (St Albans)
• The Romans regrouped and attacked the Iceni in open battle, slaughtering the rebels despite being outnumbered
• Rather than be taken as a captive, Boudicca committed suicide
• The Romans were impressed by Boudicca's bravery and success against their armies, despite her being a woman
• Most Roman women were prevented from leading a public life in politics or the military