Boudicca - The Celtic Warrior Queen

Boudicca was an ancient Celtic warrior Queen who lead an army in a rebellion against the Roman Empire. The story of this brave woman’s life has often been reduced to just a few sentences in a textbook, and that’s because there is very little known about her life. There were just two Roman historians; Tacitus and Cassius Dio, who wrote down information about Boudicca. So everything we know about her is skewed from the enemy’s perspective, and both of their versions of the story vary slightly from the other.

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Credits:
Host - Simon Whistler
Author - Shannon Quinn
Producer - Jennifer Da Silva
Executive Producer - Shell Harris

Other Biographics Videos:

Eleanor Roosevelt - The First Lady to the World

Adolf Hitler - The Rise of a Fanatical Führer

Source/Further reading:

Secondary Sources:

[chwilhogyn]

I'n Welsh 'Boudicca' is known as 'BUDDUG' short form the Welsh word 'BUDDUGOLIAETH' meaning 'TO BE VICTORIOUS'

[Monetshimmons]

That was the most info I've ever heard of her. Thank you. This series is terrific.

[kartel]

If any ever get to London, there is a statue of Boudicea on her chariot. Corner of Westminster Bridge and the Embankment.

[gwmitchell]

I just love how Simon says..Empire.. "Emp-paaa" Sounds majestically sinister.

[WardOfSouls]

Given what we know about the tendency of Roman "historians" to embellish their accounts of events, it is worth noting that the size of Boudica's army may have been exaggerated as well to make the skill and technological advantages of the Roman legions seem all the more impressive to the Roman people. So while it is entirely likely that the Celt army outnumbered the Roman army due to the fact they were fighting on their homeland rather than an expeditionary force, they may not have been 10 times as numerous.

[robertskrzynski]

One of the Boudicca myths from when I was a child; is that she was buried at what later became one of the mainline platforms of Kings Cross Railway Station

[deespence]

I wonder how different English history would have been if Boudicca had defeated the romans!

[Mnesterus]

"invents chain mail" "fights naked"

[Elizabeth-xpsf]

I did a paper on her for my pre-britian class and finding information on her was nothing short of a scavenger hunt. But it was worth it because she is such an interesting figure.

[ignitionfrn]

1:00 - Chapter 1 - Boudicca & the celtic people
3:40 - Chapter 2 - The roman invasion
6:40 - Chapter 3 - Boudicca's rebellion
10:00 - Chapter 4 - The battle of watling street
14:20 - Chapter 5 - Death & legacy

[dkhawkee]

I would like to see the folks who were behind the Spartacus series do one for her. Could be epic as well.

[valholladay]

I only accidentally stumbled across the "Biographics" a short time ago and wound up binge watching. Boudicca has been one of my favorite historical figures for many years since I, again, accidentally discovered her story. I read and watch every thing I come across concerning her life. It saddens me when I read the comments such as those from JP and ravagedbywolves in the comments below that they never heard of her. Unfortunately, it is true that history is written by the winners of wars, not the loosers. I think Mr. Whistler has done a magnificent job of condensing her story into an 18 minuet video. My only negative comment would be the semi-glossing over of the rape of her daughters. Sure, her people had been subjugated to many atrocities and she had been beaten as only the Romans could beat another human being, but I have the feeling that it was the rape of her young daughters that set her off. The Celts felt very strong bonds with family and heaven help any outsider who hurt any of them. It's true that the vengeance she wrought upon the Romans was a "bit" extreme but they did learn that you just don't piss off a Celtic mother.

[KendrickMan]

11/10. More celtic/pre-roman biographies would be excellent. Possibly pre-columbian native americans in the next ones?

[MrMordy-iinb]

A much more interesting show plot in my opinion is the story of Queen Mebh(Maeve) of Connacht.
Lived during the ulster cycle, sworn enemy of King Conchobar Mac Nessa. CúChúllainn was his top general, one of the most famous Irish warriors.

Story has it that Queen Mebh was even buried standing and facing north, so even in death she would face the enemy.

[sorenkazaren]

Romans: “We invented paved roads.”

Celts: “Nuh-uh!”

Romans: “In a couple thousand years nobody will believe you.”

[TreiberSeptim]

Love her as an example of how history is grey, never black and white. GOT SPOILERS:

She went from freedom fighter to war criminal so fast it’d make daenerys blush. She was a victim of brutal violence, yet given the same power, she answered violence with even more, senseless violence (how much the romans invented aside, the torture and slaughter of countless civilians is quite horrific)
Ultimately, her bravery was met with equal bravery and as well as an example of morally grey history, she showed perfectly why rome was the undisputed power at the time. The legions were not a group of soliders. They were a disciplined, well trained and well oiled killing machine. They were ruthless, methodical and absolutely deadly, and it goes to show why not even the Germans dared to face them in open battle, as the romans excelled so much at this, that they managed to beat boudicas army while being so horribly outnumbered. Considering this was mostly hand to hand combat, the feat the romans accomplished is insane. And they did not have some phyrric victory, it was pretty much a slaughter (albeit likely not quite to the degree the romans said, propaganda being a thing and all)

[nasyal.]

I really enjoyed this one! I've heard of Boudicca in the past and am glad that she has her moment in the spotlight on your channel 🙂

[charlotterhodes]

Talking of female leaders, could you do one about Wu Zetian, the only female emperor to have ruled China? Really love your videos! Love history!

[starkravingmad]

As a Colchester native we learned as much as we could in school and have always found her fascinating, thanks for bringing her accomplishments to the masses. Keep up the great work!

[sumedhasquared]

I subscribed to you because I understand this, rather than Wikipedia, whenever I have to write an essay, I watch your videos!