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Robert A Mosher (he/him)'s avatar

I've read and heard that one of the complications in the succession arrangements was that the Romans did not recognize any succession in a client state that transferred power from a male ruler to a female?

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badass women in history's avatar

that’s one way to look at it. there were a lot of different factors here, most likely. but a big one was that unfortunately, boudica’s husband willed his kingdom to both his daughters AND to the roman emperor - for what he probably thought was a clever way to keep the peace after his passing.

but, as we know, the Romans were very opportunistic. They took his death as a sign of instability and seized that moment to garner complete & total power over the Iceni. I think the client-king's were more of a temporary show / “peaceful facade” until the Romans had a better opportunity to strategically seize full control and place one of their own in a rulers stead.

I truly doubt they figured that Boudica would amass an army as quickly - and with as many followers - as she did!!

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Robert A Mosher (he/him)'s avatar

I was also bearing in mind the Roman record with the women of Rome and other nations

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badass women in history's avatar

yeah, the Romans had a very interesting relationship w women - especially foreign ones😅. my entire senior thesis in college was basically dissecting how the Romans depicted cleopatra after her death. they were kind of enchanted by her, in a way? but also feared her? and respected her? AND disrespected & hated her & labeled her a danger to society bc of gender dynamics -- like all at the same time. looking into how the Romans painted women could probably be its own field of study 😂

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Robert A Mosher (he/him)'s avatar

Great topic!

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JS's avatar

Granted, I've never heard of Boudicca or her rebellion before today, but I did a quick google search and found that Queen Cartimandua of the British tribe Brigantes was a client-queen

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Robert A Mosher (he/him)'s avatar

It doesn’t exonerate the Romans of some heavy duty misogyny

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JS's avatar

No, of course not. I was just pointing out that there were other strong female leaders, who ruled in their own right.

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Ancient Archaeology's avatar

Great read. This story should be taught in schools throughout the United Kingdom

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j.e. moyer, LPC's avatar

https://youtu.be/JKQwgpaLR6o?si=2k9xlJOsq_OiSVVA Boudicca by Enya

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It's Hell, Actually's avatar

Amazing woman. Always fascinated me. Thanks for the article:)

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badass women in history's avatar

this is SO FUNNY - this is the exact woman in history ive been working on for this weeks blog post!!! 😂 she is such a cool figure. i think she’s talked about a lot more in Britain (for obvious reasons😜), but i feel like she was completely excluded from the US history books entirely! i only learned about her in college while i was reading tacitus for class.

glad to see she’s finally becoming someone we talk about ❤️

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Sarah Donaghue's avatar

I also only learned about her in undergrad as well. She wasn’t discussed in world history classes in the US.

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JS's avatar

I have never heard of Boudicca before reading this! Really great article, especially for Women's History month!

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Chloe's avatar

So fascinating! Really enjoyed reading that.

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15thCenturyFeminist's avatar

Loved this, a great read!

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Lord Skei's avatar

Very interesting article!

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