2 publishers · first seen Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:01 UTC · updated Thu, 05 Nov 2026 05:00 UTC
New research from Bournemouth University suggests that Verica, a key figure in the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43, was actually a woman. Verica, a ruler of the Atrebates tribe, was exiled and fled to Emperor Claudius in Rome, where they played a central role in the invasion. The research, led by Dr. Miles Russell, is based on the name Verica, which ends with the letter 'a', a common suffix for female names in Iron Age Britain. Additionally, coins minted under Verica depict a slender, feminine, bare-breasted figure riding on horseback, unlike the overtly male warriors depicted on coins of other rulers. The term'rex' used on Verica's coins is also non-gender-specific, indicating that both male and female rulers were recognized by Rome. This discovery could significantly alter the understanding of the political dynamics of Iron Age Britain and the role of women in leadership during that period.
Dr. Russell's theory is supported by the imagery on Verica's coins and the historical context provided by Roman historian Cassius Dio, who described the invasion as being influenced by a woman's persuasion.
Content auto-generated. May contain inaccuracies.