Have you read Manda Scott’s Boudicca series? I’m on the second book now. She writes beautifully and it’s a really well researched piece of historical fiction, although her biographical info is quite different from what you laid out here. Anyways, highly recommended if you haven’t read it, i enjoyed your telling of her story as well!
I was recently on a hill overlooking what is thought to be the site of Boudica's last battle. Standing there, trying to imagine what the land looked like all those years ago. As a Welshman, a Celt, I love all the history of my homeland, as well as the rest of Celtic history. Great read, thanks :)
I don't agree with the Lady Mary comparison, as a tribal queen is very different from a landed aristocracy that's been in place for several centuries. I don't doubt that Boudica drank wine and dressed like a Roman matron at least part of the time. But I think we must also imagine her wearing Celtic dress and eating and drinking a higher quality version of what the Iceni ate prior to Roman conquest. As a successful leader she was clearly adept at managing both identities and using whatever was to her advantage.
this is one of my favorite articles on here. i love the way you wrote this almost conversationally, it feels like i’m just chatting with a girlfriend about Boudica after history class.
The main reason for Boudicca's initial success was her hit and run tactics, in woodland. Never giving the Roman Infantry time to deploy and execute their well practiced drills.
Her downfall was not recognizing that the narrow field the Roman's lines up to engage her army was far too narrow for her to deploy the war chariots, and that it was a choke point. That meant the Roman cohort's could slaughter many Celt's even when vastly outnumbered. Llocked shields, when used with the famous Gladiolus and studded sandles the thrust stab, push forward and repeat. Turned the Legion into a human mincing machine, while protected against axe and sword.
Boudica has always been the inspiration for British women seeking some sort of parity in law, gaining the vote and releasing women from virtual unimportance. From the female queens to the humblest of female protestors against unfair laws affecting only women, she has, consciously or otherwise, been a potent force in the drive to secure rights for women in times when there have been few.
I've seen Boudica referred to in other sources, but you provided more information than I have studied before. Thank you for sharing so much of the story (even with the disclaimers permanently planted at the beginning). Made me go look up the statue on line.
I remember hearing about Boudica when I was a child but couldn’t find anything about her. Thank you for this piece! I can’t wait to share her story with my daughter.
Have you read Manda Scott’s Boudicca series? I’m on the second book now. She writes beautifully and it’s a really well researched piece of historical fiction, although her biographical info is quite different from what you laid out here. Anyways, highly recommended if you haven’t read it, i enjoyed your telling of her story as well!
Ann, that was wonderful, thank you so much
Two different rhythms on the map
I was recently on a hill overlooking what is thought to be the site of Boudica's last battle. Standing there, trying to imagine what the land looked like all those years ago. As a Welshman, a Celt, I love all the history of my homeland, as well as the rest of Celtic history. Great read, thanks :)
This is fascinating, well told, written, and researched. Thank you!
I don't agree with the Lady Mary comparison, as a tribal queen is very different from a landed aristocracy that's been in place for several centuries. I don't doubt that Boudica drank wine and dressed like a Roman matron at least part of the time. But I think we must also imagine her wearing Celtic dress and eating and drinking a higher quality version of what the Iceni ate prior to Roman conquest. As a successful leader she was clearly adept at managing both identities and using whatever was to her advantage.
this is one of my favorite articles on here. i love the way you wrote this almost conversationally, it feels like i’m just chatting with a girlfriend about Boudica after history class.
The main reason for Boudicca's initial success was her hit and run tactics, in woodland. Never giving the Roman Infantry time to deploy and execute their well practiced drills.
Her downfall was not recognizing that the narrow field the Roman's lines up to engage her army was far too narrow for her to deploy the war chariots, and that it was a choke point. That meant the Roman cohort's could slaughter many Celt's even when vastly outnumbered. Llocked shields, when used with the famous Gladiolus and studded sandles the thrust stab, push forward and repeat. Turned the Legion into a human mincing machine, while protected against axe and sword.
This was amazing. I have a book about her that I haven’t gotten to yet. This has inspired me to do more research. Thank you! Great work!
Another layer of interest, regarding the statue, is that the chariot is based of Roman designs. She would not have been amused.
Boudica has always been the inspiration for British women seeking some sort of parity in law, gaining the vote and releasing women from virtual unimportance. From the female queens to the humblest of female protestors against unfair laws affecting only women, she has, consciously or otherwise, been a potent force in the drive to secure rights for women in times when there have been few.
I've seen Boudica referred to in other sources, but you provided more information than I have studied before. Thank you for sharing so much of the story (even with the disclaimers permanently planted at the beginning). Made me go look up the statue on line.
When does Boudica get a Hollywood biopic?
PLEASE i need this like i need air to breathe
I remember hearing about Boudica when I was a child but couldn’t find anything about her. Thank you for this piece! I can’t wait to share her story with my daughter.