Professor Michael Clarke, it is great to see your commentary on these historical events. But when will you be back on Sky News telling us what will happen next in Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East?
The best take on the Boudican revolt is on "The rest is history" channel. Tacitus tells us that ironically she was not Iceni herself but a Trinovantane. Her marriage was one of tribal alliance and religious belief. She and her "husband" were almost shaman like figures in the Druidic system. As for the military aspect, its hard to believe that was any real coherent plan. Bar savage revenge. But like most things that succeed initially its momentum outgrew the ability of those in charge to control it. Numbers grew with that success and confidence grew to hubristic levels. It has ever been thus. And we all know what transpired somewhere along Watling Street. Reckoning.
Tacitus only mentions Prasugatos being "king of the Iceni, famed for his long prosperity" and that "his wife Boudica was scourged." After that the narrative is dominated by actions nd the odd long speech Cassius DIo writing about 150 years later observes that the tawny haired amazon, in the course of a long, improbable oration, "employed a species of divination" in observing the direction taken by a hare when released (was it 'zig' or 'zag?). Nothing of diplomatic marriages, shamanism or druidry..
It has to be said he course of events in AD60 hardly indicates Boudica's talent a Great Battle Commander. Having motivated the population of south eastern Britannia, already chafing under oppressive Roman rule, to rise in the revolt that bears her name, Boudica seems to have relied on overwhelming, vindictive force, until Roman discipline, superiort tactics and resolute leadership ended her run of success (although Tacticus was bound to present that thesis). It is curious that they don''t mention Suetonius being up in Wales with the Roman field army laying waste to the religious centre on Anglesey (Mona) creating the opportunity for a rising to take hold- or did I miss something?
She is so overrated, sacked a few defenceless towns and got slaughtered against the first Roman Legion. Caratacus held the Romans off in Britain for 10 years
She actually destroyed a big chunk of the 9th Hispana. Her problem was that the Iceni and Trinovantes had been badly weakened by a prior revolt, and simply didn't have the weapons or the experienced warriors to mount a long-term campaign. She was leading a mass levy, basically. Big, slow moving, and cumbersome. Caratacus, on the other hand, had a small but highly mobile band of retainers.
This myth was debunked decades ago. Boudica was short enough that Tacitus said as much, old enough that her husband died of old age and her children were eligible for the throne, and she was part of an armed mob and had no combat/command experience whatsoever.
Professor Michael Clarke, it is great to see your commentary on these historical events. But when will you be back on Sky News telling us what will happen next in Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East?
The best take on the Boudican revolt is on "The rest is history" channel. Tacitus tells us that ironically she was not Iceni herself but a Trinovantane. Her marriage was one of tribal alliance and religious belief. She and her "husband" were almost shaman like figures in the Druidic system. As for the military aspect, its hard to believe that was any real coherent plan. Bar savage revenge. But like most things that succeed initially its momentum outgrew the ability of those in charge to control it. Numbers grew with that success and confidence grew to hubristic levels. It has ever been thus. And we all know what transpired somewhere along Watling Street. Reckoning.
Tacitus only mentions Prasugatos being "king of the Iceni, famed for his long prosperity" and that "his wife Boudica was scourged." After that the narrative is dominated by actions nd the odd long speech Cassius DIo writing about 150 years later observes that the tawny haired amazon, in the course of a long, improbable oration, "employed a species of divination" in observing the direction taken by a hare when released (was it 'zig' or 'zag?). Nothing of diplomatic marriages, shamanism or druidry..
Fascinating stuff
How is Boudica a great commander? She ravaged the countryside and then lost to the first army she fought which she outnumbered 20:1
D and I
She didn't lose to the first army she fought, though. Her rebels destroyed a good chunk of the 9th Hispana.
It has to be said he course of events in AD60 hardly indicates Boudica's talent a Great Battle Commander. Having motivated the population of south eastern Britannia, already chafing under oppressive Roman rule, to rise in the revolt that bears her name, Boudica seems to have relied on overwhelming, vindictive force, until Roman discipline, superiort tactics and resolute leadership ended her run of success (although Tacticus was bound to present that thesis).
It is curious that they don''t mention Suetonius being up in Wales with the Roman field army laying waste to the religious centre on Anglesey (Mona) creating the opportunity for a rising to take hold- or did I miss something?
in USA....would Love to know her tartan colors.. !!
She is so overrated, sacked a few defenceless towns and got slaughtered against the first Roman Legion. Caratacus held the Romans off in Britain for 10 years
Not slaughtered, arrested. The mob of Britains didn't even form a line before running away
@@samsonsoturian6013 Boudica lost at least 80,000 people at Watling street, it was a massacre.
She actually destroyed a big chunk of the 9th Hispana. Her problem was that the Iceni and Trinovantes had been badly weakened by a prior revolt, and simply didn't have the weapons or the experienced warriors to mount a long-term campaign. She was leading a mass levy, basically. Big, slow moving, and cumbersome. Caratacus, on the other hand, had a small but highly mobile band of retainers.
This myth was debunked decades ago. Boudica was short enough that Tacitus said as much, old enough that her husband died of old age and her children were eligible for the throne, and she was part of an armed mob and had no combat/command experience whatsoever.
Sources?