IRON AGE RULER VERICA WAS FEMALE

Bournemouth University (BU) archaeological research has revealed that Iron Age British ruler ‘Verica' who was central to the Roman Invasion of Britain AD 43 was in fact a woman. This discovery re-writes the history of early Roman Britain.

Dr Miles Russell, Director of Archaeological Fieldwork at BU, who led the research said: "Verica is assumed to have been male because of the patriarchal mindset of 19th century, classical historians. Verica was not only critical to the special relationship between Britain and Rome in the early first century AD but was indisputably female."

One obvious clue that Dr Russell points out is that the name ‘Verica' ends with a letter ‘a' which was common for female names at the time, such as Cartimandua of the Brigantes (in Yorkshire) and Boudica of the Iceni (in Norfolk). All three were from the same time period and, although Boudica is certainly the most famous, leading a revolt against the Roman invaders in AD 60, Dr Russell argues that Verica was in fact a more powerful and influential ruler of the period.

Dr Russell said: "People also assume she was a ‘he' because of the term ‘rex' on coins, but rex is a nongender specific title, both male and female kings were recognised by Rome, Cleopatra of Egypt being the most famous." He continued: "The use of the Latin title rex on coins shows that Verica ruled with the full authorisation of the emperor."

The theory is strengthened by the imagery used by Verica on her coins, as Dr Russell explained: "Whilst other coin producing British Iron Age leaders portray obviously male warriors, Verica is depicted as a slender, feminine, bare-breasted figure riding on horseback."

The research for Verica, presented in a new book ‘Caratacus: Great king of Britain', published by Bloomsbury in January (ISBN 9781350477902), is discussed in the latest edition of Current Archaeology.

To read the complete article, see:
New research reveals Iron Age king was female (https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1148686)

To read an earlier E-Sylum article, see:
CELTIC KING VERICA STATER UNCOVERED (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n12a26.html)

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