Boudica's revolt
61 CE · Central Britain (exact site of the decisive battle uncertain; modern central England) · World · Ancient
The Romans formed up on narrow ground, wore down the numerically superior rebels with volleys of javelins, then counterattacked at close quarters and routed them.
Belligerents
Rome
- Commanders
- Gaius Suetonius Paulinus
- Strength
- About 10,000 men of the Roman Fourteenth Legion and some auxiliary units
Britons (Iceni-led tribal alliance)
- Commanders
- Boudica
- Strength
- Allied rebel tribes, tens of thousands per records
Background
Roman officials seized the estate of the late husband of Boudica, queen of the Iceni, and humiliated her, provoking the British tribes to rise in revolt; they burned several Roman towns.
Course of the battle
- Burning towns along the wayThe rebels burned Camulodunum, Londinium and other towns
- Romans form up on chosen groundSuetonius formed up his army in a narrow valley
- Massed javelin volleys rout the enemyThe Romans pinned down the enemy with javelins, then counterattacked at close quarters and broke them
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 61 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Central Britain (exact site of the decisive battle uncertain; modern central England) |
| Result | The Romans formed up on narrow ground, wore down the numerically superior rebels with volleys of javelins, then counterattacked at close quarters and routed them. |
| Winner | Rome |
| Casualties | The rebels suffered heavy casualties, and Boudica then took her own life or died of illness. |
| Territorial change | Rome reestablished control over the province of Britain, and Camulodunum and other towns that had been burned were later rebuilt. |
Impact
The largest revolt against Rome in the province of Britain, after which Rome adjusted its policy for governing the province.
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