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Ancient coins suggest influential Iron Age king was female
Phys.org • • world
Key Points:
- Bournemouth University research reveals that Iron Age British ruler Verica, central to the Roman invasion of Britain in A.D. 43, was a woman, challenging previous historical assumptions.
- Verica ruled the Atrebates tribe in modern Hampshire and West Sussex, and after being ousted around A.D. 40, fled to Emperor Claudius, influencing his decision to invade Britain.
- Dr. Miles Russell highlights that Verica's name, coinage, and depiction as a feminine figure support her female identity, with the Latin title "rex" being gender-neutral.
- Verica played a crucial tactical and political role in the Roman invasion, providing essential support to Claudius, which helped secure his military success and regime change in Britain.
- This discovery emphasizes Verica as one of the earliest and most significant female leaders in British history, whose influence has been largely overlooked due to patriarchal biases.
