Peoples and communities

The Iceni

An East Anglian people whose history includes wealth, dealings with Rome and the revolt led by Boudica.

More than one rebellion

The Iceni occupied parts of what is now East Anglia. Coins and metalwork help investigate their world before and during the early Roman period. Their history includes relationships with Rome as well as armed resistance, so begin before the best-known revolt.

Prasutagus and the crisis after his death

Prasutagus ruled the Iceni and was Boudica’s husband. Tacitus connects the outbreak of revolt with Roman seizure of property and violence against the royal family and their community after his death. Cassius Dio gives financial pressures a more prominent role. Neither account supplies a complete local record.

Boudica and her allies

In AD 60 or 61, Boudica led a revolt involving the Iceni and others, including Trinovantian participants. The attacks on major settlements and the Roman response caused extensive suffering. The leaders’ names survive through Roman writing, while archaeological finds cannot simply be assigned to a named royal household.

Context and evidence

Do not assume every person living in the region took the same side. Coin distributions help ask questions about connections and authority, but they do not draw precise borders or prove the identity of every owner.

Sources and further reading

Romans in Britain · People · Places · Learning resources