Prologue: “The Queen of the Crimson Flame”
In the year 61 AD, on the Watling Street—
Countless lifeless bodies lay scattered across the scorched earth.
Above the blood-soaked battlefield, the victorious cries of the Roman army echoed through the air.
The Celtic queen gazes at the soldiers who fell on the battlefield.
Boudica
A girl who was born in the misty forests of Britain.
With flame-like red hair, she was a descendant of the proud Celtic bloodline.
To claim freedom, she challenged the great beast that was Rome, igniting a rebellion that would shake the world—
Her beloved people fought with pride and then fell.
The wish to “defeat Rome” had now vanished, a fleeting dream.
A dry sob escaped from her throat.
Boudica:
“Was I… wrong?”
After paying such a heavy price, freedom still remained out of reach.
She had fought to protect the Celtic blood, but before her now stood only death and despair.
—It was all over.
Soon, one of her followers, with trembling hands, offered her a cup of poison.
“Queen… I cannot allow you to fall into the hands of Rome…”
Grasping the poison cup with trembling hands, Boudica quietly smiled.
What she remembered were those distant days—
Everything began from here…
—This is the story of a queen who rose up and fell.
Chapter 1: “The Birth of the Red-Haired Girl”
Around the year 30 AD, in the mist-covered morning air of the eastern part of Britain, in the vast grasslands and deep forests surrounding present-day Norfolk, lived the brave Celtic tribe known as the Iceni.
In that quiet village, a girl was eventually born.
She had fiery red hair and eyes that held a powerful, captivating gaze.
The girl’s father was a proud warrior, and her mother was the wise storyteller of the tribe.
The girl’s birth brought great joy to the villagers, but at the same time, they instinctively sensed that a special fate awaited her in the future.
Father:
“This child was born with a strong heart and destiny.”
“Let her name be ‘Boudica,’ a name that means victory.”
The father proudly declared.
That day, the village elders held a ceremony to celebrate the girl’s birth and offered prayers under the starry sky.
Elder:
“O stars, grant this child great courage and wisdom.”
The elder’s prayer would eventually become a force that would greatly influence the girl’s destiny.
As Boudica grew, she began to demonstrate her noble spirit and strong will to those around her.
The villagers loved her, and at the same time, they respected her.
Though no one knew it yet, this red-haired girl would one day become a force that would shake the mighty Roman Empire.
Chapter 2: “The Invasion of the Roman Empire”
In 43 AD, the fate of peaceful Britain began to change dramatically.
Emperor Claudius of Rome led a powerful army and initiated the invasion of the island.
In this era of turmoil, Boudica had already grown into a wise and brave young woman.
She spent peaceful days exchanging everyday goods with friends and villagers at the market, and dancing joyfully during festival days.
However, every time Boudica overheard whispers about Rome at the market, a sense of unease began to spread among the villagers.
Villagers:
“One day, we too will be under the Roman Empire…”
Boudica:
“It’s alright.”
“Our land will be protected by us.”
“We will make sure of it,”
Boudica spoke firmly, encouraging the villagers with her resolve.
At that time, the Celtic tribes in the southern and central-eastern parts of Britain were defeated one after another, and many of them gave up their resistance, surrendering to the Roman Empire.
Boudica:
“Now it’s our turn!”
“The Roman army is coming!”
“If we do nothing, we’ll be defeated just like the other Celtic tribes.”
“Take up your weapons!”
“Prepare for battle!”
Prasutagus:
“Wait!”
“We don’t yet have the strength to fight Rome in an all-out war.”
Boudica:
“But if we don’t show our willingness to resist, Rome will just trample over us!”
Prasutagus:
“I understand your frustration.”
“But if we fight now, even women and children may become casualties.”
“We must seek peace for now and wait for the right moment.”
Prasutagus spoke at the tribal council.
As a result, the Iceni tribe, following the chieftain Prasutagus’ policy, chose cautious diplomacy.
They decided to maintain their independence temporarily while forming an alliance with Rome.
Though Boudica listened to the chieftain’s words, within her heart, she was filled with unease and inner conflict.
Boudica:
“How long can we maintain this peace…?”
“Can we really trust Rome?”
The villagers too felt the same unease, but for the time being, they had no choice but to trust the tribe’s decision to pursue peace.
However, lurking in the shadows of this temporary peace was a tragedy that would quietly unfold in the future.
Chapter 3: “The Fateful Marriage”
Around the year 47 AD, Boudica’s destiny took a new turn.
She married Prasutagus, the king of the Iceni tribe, and took her place as a new queen.
Prasutagus was wise and a cautious diplomat, always prioritizing the stability and prosperity of the tribe.
A grand wedding feast was held in the village, and Boudica smiled alongside her husband in front of the villagers.
Boudica:
“Together, we will protect the future of our tribe.”
Prasutagus:
“As long as you are by my side, I will remain strong.”
Boudica smiled back at him, but in her eyes, along with her resolve for the future, there was also a faint shadow.
Prasutagus placed great importance on his relationship with the Roman Empire, and through his skilled diplomacy, he brought temporary stability to the tribe.
However, while standing behind her husband, Boudica secretly prepared herself in her heart for the fateful time that might one day come.
Chapter 4: “The Shadow of the New Emperor”
In 54 AD, far away in the capital of the Roman Empire, Emperor Claudius passed away, and the new emperor, Nero, ascended to the throne.
Emperor Nero (Nero, 37–68 AD)
The 5th Emperor of the Roman Empire (reigned from 54 to 68 AD).
Raised amid power struggles, he ascended the throne at the age of 17.
His early reign was relatively stable, supported by capable advisors such as Seneca and Burrus, but over time, he became increasingly tyrannical, even ordering the murder of his own mother, Agrippina.
Key Events and Legacy:
・In 64 AD, the Great Fire of Rome broke out. Rumors spread that Nero himself had set the fire, though the true culprit remains unknown. He used the fire as an excuse to persecute Christians.
・He obsessed over arts and performances, writing poetry, singing, and even participating in public competitions—unusual behavior for an emperor.
・His extravagant spending led to financial ruin, causing him to lose support from the aristocracy and military.
・In 68 AD, a rebellion erupted, and the Senate declared him an “enemy of the state.” He fled and ultimately took his own life.
Although Nero is widely remembered as a cruel and tyrannical ruler, he also promoted art and culture during his reign.
Today, he remains one of the most infamous emperors in Roman history.
The news quickly spread to Britain, and the tribes began to feel a vague sense of unease.
Nero was known for his cruelty, and rumors spread rapidly about how he ruthlessly eliminated anyone who opposed him, including his own mother, and coldly executed his enemies.
Boudica, along with her husband Prasutagus, frowned as they listened to the report from the messenger.
Boudica:
“The rumors say that the new emperor, Nero, is even more cruel than his predecessor.”
“Under his rule, will our peace be preserved?”
Prasutagus:
“Under Emperor Nero’s rule, Roman control will become harsher.”
“We must exercise the utmost caution and work to maintain peace with them.”
Among the villagers, unrest spread, and dissatisfaction and doubts about Roman rule grew stronger by the day.
No one could have imagined at that time that this growing unease would eventually cast a dark shadow over Boudica’s own fate.
Chapter 5: “The Peace That Was Taken”
Around the year 60 AD, Prasutagus passed away from illness.
Before his death, he left behind a will.
Prasutagus:
“Half of my kingdom I bequeath to Emperor Nero, and the other half I entrust to my beloved two daughters.”
However, to the Romans at the time, the Celtic tribes (including the indigenous people of Britain) were regarded as “barbaric.”
Roman soldiers looked down upon the local people, showing little respect, especially towards women and children, often displaying violent behavior.
The Roman Empire completely ignored the will of the Celtic king, seizing all of the Iceni tribe’s land and confiscating their property.
Boudica:
“This is unjust!”
“Return our land!”
“This land was left to us by the king for our people!”
“It is not yours to take!”
Nero:
“I have no interest in your opinion.”
“I don’t care about the will of a king from such a lower race.”
“This land is a province of Rome.”
“Therefore, all your land and property belong to Rome.”
As a lesson to the Iceni tribe’s defiance, the Roman soldiers publicly punished her with a flogging in front of the people.
Nero:
“This is the punishment for defying me.”
Daughters:
“Mother!”
The anguished cries of her daughters echoed, but the Roman soldiers reached out to them as well, subjecting them to humiliation.
Nero:
“This is nothing more than a mere example.”
“If you don’t want to suffer like this again, never think of defying me.”
“If you oppose me next time, the consequences will be far worse.”
“If you don’t want that, then remain silent and obey me.”
That night, as she embraced her wounded daughters, she wiped away her tears with trembling hands.
Yet, in her eyes, there was not just sorrow, but a raging fire that had begun to burn.
Boudica:
“I will never forgive this…”
“This injustice cannot be allowed.”
“Rome will pay the price for this.”
“Even if I must give my life for it!”
In the depths of her sorrow and intense anger, Boudica swore vengeance in her heart.
Chapter 6: “The Spark of Rebellion”
In the latter half of 60 AD, unable to endure the Roman Empire’s brutal treatment any longer, Boudica rose up.
Boudica:
“We are human!”
“We feel sorrow, and we feel pain.”
“But what is Rome?”
“Is that what humans do to one another?!”
Her fierce anger quickly spread, drawing in nearby tribes.
Celtic tribes from all corners began to gather around her.
Boudica:
“The Roman Empire is powerful.”
“But if we do nothing, we will only continue to be robbed.”
“If we don’t resist, the same tragedy will befall our children and their children.”
“Is that truly acceptable?”
“Now is the time to rise up!”
“We must not allow the Roman Empire to steal our freedom and our future!”
Her brave cry ignited the hearts of many.
At Boudica’s cry, the soldiers raised their swords, their eyes brimming with tears.
Soldiers:
“Yes!”
“We are not an inferior race!”
“We are the proud Celtic people!”
“We cannot allow such a tragedy to be passed down to our descendants!”
“No longer will we let Rome have its way!”
“We will fight and claim victory!”
“For our free future!”
Their voices echoed across the battlefield.
Led by the Trinovantes tribe and joined by many other tribes, her army quickly grew to a scale of over 100,000.
With overwhelming support, Boudica launched a grand rebellion against the Roman Empire.
Chapter 7: “The Attack on Camulodunum”
The massive army led by Boudica descended upon Camulodunum (modern-day Colchester).
The town was gently awakening under the morning light, but the calm was abruptly shattered by a sudden scream.
Boudica:
“Take it!”
“We will give them all the pain and suffering we have endured!”
Boudica’s army surged like a tidal wave, breaking through the walls and ruthlessly attacking the terrified Roman veterans and their families, showing no mercy.
Flames engulfed the buildings, and the town was covered in screams and smoke.
Roman veteran:
“Please help us, we don’t want to die.”
Boudica:
“How many people have you killed who begged for mercy like this?”
“This is what you have done to us!”
“And this is only a fraction of the suffering we have endured!”
Boudica’s cry echoed across the battlefield.
There was no mercy for the fleeing residents, and the flames of vengeance consumed everything.
By dusk, the town had turned to ash and ruin.
Boudica:
“The pain we have endured is nothing compared to what is yet to come.”
“Do not think this is the end.”
She gazed at the burned city, silently savoring the beginning of her vengeance.
Chapter 8: “The Destruction of Londinium”
At the end of 60 AD, after annihilating Camulodunum, Boudica’s army set its sights on the growing city of Londinium (modern-day London).
The city had rapidly developed, bustling with activity as many people gathered, but it was fragile in the face of an army burning with fury against Rome.
Before dawn, Boudica stood at the front of her army, calling out to her soldiers with strength and determination.
Boudica:
“Do not forget the humiliation, suffering, and sorrow that Rome has inflicted upon us.”
“Let us repay the pain they have caused us, a hundredfold!”
The rebellious forces stormed into the city, setting fire to the buildings and ruthlessly attacking the fleeing Romans and their collaborators.
The wooden structures ignited in an instant, and the streets were filled with the screams of the people.
Roman soldier:
“We have no will to resist anymore.”
“Please, show us mercy!”
At the cries of the Romans, Boudica’s eyes gleamed coldly.
Boudica:
“Mercy?”
“Did you show mercy to my daughters?!”
Her rage knew no bounds, and the army completely devastated the city, leaving nothing untouched.
Roman blood flowed through the streets, and the city was reduced to ruins of smoke and rubble in a single night.
As night fell, Boudica spoke coldly and quietly about the city amidst the smoldering ruins.
Boudica:
“This is our answer, Rome.”
“Be prepared to lose more than you have taken.”
Chapter 9: “The Tragedy of Verulamium”
After decimating Londinium, Boudica’s army advanced toward the northwest to the city of Verulamium (modern-day St. Albans).
The people of Verulamium had heard of the horrors unfolding in the distant cities and were trembling with fear.
Eventually, that fear became a grim reality―
Boudica’s army broke through the city walls and surged into the town.
In the chaos, the residents fled in panic, but the Celtic forces’ rage was unstoppable.
Unrestrained destruction and massacre unfolded throughout the city.
The city was engulfed in flames, and screams and cries echoed through the air.
Amid the flames of destruction, Boudica coldly declared.
Boudica:
“The pain, sorrow, and suffering that Rome has inflicted upon us, now it is Rome’s turn to taste it!”
Verulamium became the stage of a tragedy, and many Romans fell victim to the bloodshed.
Chapter 10: “The Shield of the Empire Wavers”
When the Roman army arrived at the devastated Verulamium, the town was engulfed in crimson flames.
The Roman garrison stood in stunned silence, gazing at the town, now a scene of madness and slaughter wrought by Boudica’s forces.
Lucius:
“…What are they?”
“This is nothing like the stories we heard…”
“They were supposed to be primitive, barbaric, a people who should have been easily controlled!”
Standing next to him, Centurion Claudius stared coldly at the burning town.
He glanced at Lucius, then, as if discarding the thought, he muttered with contempt.
Claudius:
“Fool.”
“Did you underestimate the Celtic?”
Lucius:
“Eh…?”
Claudius:
“They may not have civilization, and their tactics are crude.”
“But that queen is different.”
“Look, they are not just a rebellion.”
“They fight with anger and pride.”
Lucius:
“But… Captain Claudius, can we really stop them, the Roman army?”
Claudius:
“Of course we can.”
“We are the Roman army.”
“Indeed, the Celtic are terrifying.”
“But we must defeat them.”
Lucius:
“…Yes, Captain.”
The Roman soldiers still believed they could defeat Boudica.
What they didn’t yet know was that the final battle was drawing near.
Chapter 11: “The Battle of Watling Street”
In the spring of 61 AD, the Romans launched a counterattack.
The governor of Britannia, Suetonius Paulinus, cleverly chose a favorable terrain and lured Boudica’s army into Watling Street.
Suetonius Paulinus:
“Today, our fate will be decided.”
“We may be outnumbered, but we have the advantage in training, tactics, and equipment.”
“We will surely win!”
Suetonius inspired his soldiers.
Meanwhile, Boudica stood before her vast army and shouted.
Boudica:
“Let our anger and pride be known to Rome!”
“Fight with everything you have!”
In response to her voice, over 100,000 Celtic warriors roared.
In their eyes, a future of liberation from Roman rule was reflected.
However, the Roman army’s formation, watching quietly, remained unshaken.
Suetonius Paulinus had chosen a narrow valley surrounded by forests as the battlefield.
Suetonius Paulinus:
“Indeed, the enemy outnumbers us.”
“But in this terrain, their numerical advantage is meaningless.”
“We will maintain an impenetrable defense and neutralize their strength.”
He ordered his soldiers to form the Roman army’s distinctive tight formation, the “testudo” (tortoise formation).
The sound of metal clashing echoed through the air.
The soldiers pressed close together like massive boulders, aligning their large shields (scutum) in front and above them.
The formation resembled an iron wall, a fortress that would repel any attack.
Suetonius Paulinus:
“Align the shields!”
“Don’t leave any gaps!”
The seasoned centurion shouted, his voice cutting through the tension of the battlefield.
The soldiers in the front row thrust their short swords (gladius) through the gaps in their shields, striking with precision every time the enemy drew near.
The soldiers in the rear ranks hurled their long spears (pilum), piercing the Celtic army with the force of a rainstorm.
The swords of the Celtic warriors clashed against the Roman shields, sending sparks flying.
The roars of the Celtic warriors echoed across the battlefield, which was now thick with the scent of blood and iron.
The warriors of Boudica’s army charged bravely, but the Roman formation held firm.
It was as if their tightly packed wall of shields repelled every assault, pushing back the Celtic forces with unyielding strength.
Celtic soldier:
“W-What is this wall…!?”
“Our swords can’t reach them…!”
Roman soldier:
“Their fierce assault won’t affect us!”
“This is the difference in experience!”
The Celtic soldiers swung their large swords (longswords) in a fierce attack, but they were blocked by the Roman wall of shields.
From the gaps in the shields, Roman spears and swords were thrust out with precision.
The more they advanced, the more they were swallowed by the Roman defensive lines.
Then, Suetonius’ command rang out.
Suetonius Paulinus:
“Now! Counterattack!”
As Suetonius’ sharp command rang out, the Roman army surged into action.
The soldiers pushed their shields forward, knocking the Celtic warriors aside.
In the next moment, they thrust their gladii, delivering fatal blows.
Moreover, the soldiers in the rear ranks advanced, maintaining the tight formation, crushing the enemy as they pushed forward.
It was as if an iron beast moved slowly, swallowing the enemy whole.
The Roman counterattack far exceeded the expectations of Boudica’s forces.
Before the “iron wall,” the massive Celtic army began to crumble helplessly.
The battlefield turned into a sea of blood, and the Celtic roars slowly shifted into screams.
While the Celtic army held an overwhelming numerical advantage, the superior tactics, training, and equipment of the Roman army brutally overturned the advantage of numbers.
Celtic soldier:
“We can’t hold on any longer!, This is it!”
The Celtic army was gradually encircled, and one by one, soldiers fell.
The anguished cries of the soldiers echoed across the battlefield.
The result was devastating.
Around 80,000 Celtic soldiers lost their lives, and the battlefield was engulfed in the despair of defeat.
Boudica, savoring the bitter taste of defeat, gazed distantly at the fallen soldiers, their bodies consumed by the flames.
Boudica:
“It’s not over yet…”
She murmured quietly.
Final Chapter: “The End of Boudica”
Boudica:
“It’s not over yet…”
But as if to shatter her resolve, the harsh reality of the devastating defeat spread out before Boudica.
The battlefield at dusk was stained with the colors of blood and despair, and the sight of fallen comrades burned itself into her eyes.
Boudica:
“I have fought to prevent further innocent victims from falling under the rule of the Roman Empire.”
“But what is this…”
“Have I only caused even more innocent lives to be lost?”
Boudica gazed at the fallen comrades’ bodies.
The soldiers she had proudly led.
Each one of them now lay quietly on the ground.
She whispered in a voice filled with anguish.
Boudica:
“All we wanted was to be treated as ordinary people.”
“Not as ‘barbarians,’ but as ‘ordinary people.'”
“Is that too much to ask?”
“Is even that not allowed?”
“Is the future we hoped for this far out of reach…”
Her voice lost its strength, filled with deep sorrow.
One of her subordinates stepped toward her.
With trembling hands, he offered her the poisoned cup.
Boudica’s subordinate:
“My queen, I cannot allow you to fall into the hands of the Roman soldiers…”
“If you fall into their hands, they will make an example of you, far worse than before.”
“The only thing I can do to prevent that is this.”
“Please, forgive me for being so powerless, for this is the only way I can save you.”
Boudica:
“I understand.”
“I have made you choose the hardest path.”
“Thank you.”
She quietly accepted the poisoned cup, gathering her remaining strength to speak to her subordinates.
Boudica:
“We fought for our freedom.”
“Though we have been defeated, our hearts are not broken.”
“Do not lose your pride.”
“I will die as the queen of the Iceni, to the very end.”
“I believe that my death will ignite the fighting spirit in the heart of someone who will rise up to save us one day.”
With determination, she brought the poisoned cup to her lips and drank its contents.
Soon, her body quietly collapsed to the ground, and tears fell from the eyes of her subordinates who had been watching over her.
Boudica:
“Farewell, my proud warriors…”
“Thank you for fighting alongside me until the very end…”
After Boudica’s death, the rebellion was completely crushed, and many tribes, including the Iceni, were forced to submit to Rome once again.
However, her courage and pride were forever etched in the hearts of the Celtic people.
Epilogue: “The Legacy of Boudica”
Boudica’s rebellion ended in failure, but it delivered a significant shock to the Roman Empire, prompting a reevaluation of its governance policies.
In the aftermath, Rome eased its harsh policies toward the native inhabitants of Britain and began to exercise a more cautious form of rule.
Her resistance was passed down as the greatest anti-Roman uprising in British history.
Boudica’s brave defiance was remembered and revered, especially in the 19th century Britain, where her heroic image grew.
Her legend became a symbol of freedom and independence, earning respect and admiration.
During the Victorian era, she was reevaluated as a symbol of patriotism, and even in modern times, she shines as a radiant hero in the hearts of the people, firmly etched in the history of Britain.
Today, a statue of Boudica stands proudly near Westminster Bridge in London, symbolizing the courage and resistance of the British people.
She still raises her sword high, a proud reminder of her legacy.
Her spirit lives on.
Though she was defeated in battle, her defeat was not just a loss.
It became a symbol of unyielding defiance, a beacon of strength and hope for generations to come.
Author: Fuji
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Author: Fuji
Human history is truly complex, isn’t it?
There are countless websites introducing historical figures and events, but many of them are just plain explanations—not exactly exciting to read.
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