Boudicca

Celtic queen who led massive rebellion against Roman occupation in ancient Britain

Boudicca (30-61 CE) orchestrated Britain's largest anti-Roman uprising, destroying three major cities and nearly expelling imperial forces. Her rebellion demonstrated unprecedented coordination among Celtic tribes against the Mediterranean superpower.

The Iceni Queen mobilized over 100,000 warriors after Roman officials:

• Publicly flogged her
• Violated succession agreements
• Enslaved her daughters

Under her leadership, rebel forces:

• Sacked Camulodunum (Colchester)
• Destroyed Londinium (London)
• Massacred 70,000+ Romans and collaborators

Though ultimately defeated at the Battle of Watling Street, Boudicca became a lasting symbol of resistance. Her story inspired later independence movements and established early precedents for female military leadership in European history.