Was the British ruler who invited Rome a queen?

A controversial new theory is challenging the traditional narrative of early British history by suggesting that Verica, the tribal leader who invited Roman Emperor Claudius to invade in AD 43, was actually a woman. If true, this reclassification would significantly alter our understanding of Iron Age politics and the dynamics that led to the Roman conquest of Britain.

Dr Miles Russell, director of archaeological fieldwork at Bournemouth University, proposes that Verica was not a king but a queen. This conclusion, which will be detailed in his upcoming book 'Caratacus: Great King of Britain', argues that without Verica’s exile and subsequent appeal to Rome, the famous invasion might never have occurred, thereby reshaping the political landscape of the era.

Verica was a Romanized Briton who ruled the Atrebates tribe, controlling areas in what is now southern Hampshire and West Sussex. Following the death of the powerful tribal leader Cunobelinus and the rise of his son Caratacus, Verica was exiled and fled to Claudius in Rome, effectively acting as a catalyst for the imperial landing in Kent.

Russell bases his argument on several pieces of evidence found on coins minted during Verica’s reign. He points out that Latin names ending in the letter 'a' often belong to women. Furthermore, he notes that Verica used the term 'Rex' on these coins, a word Russell claims was used to refer to firm allies on the edge of the Roman Empire without implying a specific sex, unlike 'Regina' or 'Regis'.

Another key piece of evidence involves the imagery depicted on the coins. Russell observes that coins under Verica appear to show a naked woman on horseback, whereas those of contemporaries like Cunobelinus and Caratacus feature overtly male figures. He interprets this as an overtly feminine representation, suggesting it identifies the ruler's gender directly.

The debate extends to linguistic interpretations as well. While abbreviated Latin inscriptions on the coins have traditionally been read as 'son of...', Russell suggests they could equally mean 'daughter of'. He also references the Roman writer Cassius Dio, who criticized Claudius for being influenced by slaves and women, arguing this context supports the possibility of a female client ruler.

However, the theory has met with skepticism from other experts in the field. Prof Roger Tomlin of the University of Oxford notes that while some Latin men’s names end in 'a', the existence of the masculine form 'Vericus' serves as strong evidence that 'Verica' itself is a feminine name. He also questions whether 'Rex' was commonly used for both male and female rulers, stating that Russell must provide more examples to prove this usage.

Dr Daphne Nash Briggs, an Iron Age archaeologist and coin expert, also voiced doubts. She pointed out that some coins bearing Verica’s name depict a clearly male form on horseback, while others show a portrait in male priestly dress or even an Adam’s apple. Russell counters that the figure with the Adam’s apple likely depicts the emperor rather than Verica himself.

Russell acknowledges that his claims may spark controversy but believes such debate is necessary. He argues that the one-sided story of male dominance in Iron Age leadership has persisted for too long and that revisiting historical narratives through fresh archaeological lenses is essential for a more accurate understanding of the past.

“A new theory suggests Verica, the leader who persuaded Emperor Claudius to invade Britain in AD 43, may have been a woman.”