Cartimandua: The Celtic Queen Who Betrayed Caratacus to Rome
Queen Cartimandua of the Brigantes, who reigned in northern England from AD 43 to 69, is portrayed unfavorably by Roman historian Tacitus. He noted her treachery towards Caratacus, the leader of the anti-Roman resistance, around AD 51. After Caratacus sought her protection following his defeat, she betrayed him to the Romans, resulting in his clemency from Emperor Claudius. Her partnership with Rome was a tactical move, as the Brigantes served as a barrier against tribes from the north. In AD 57, her husband Venutius attempted a coup against her, but she received support from Rome. Ultimately, in AD 69, Venutius succeeded in overthrowing her during the Roman civil war, leading to Emperor Vespasian annexing Brigantia, which was fully subdued by AD 84/85.
Key facts
- Cartimandua was queen of the Brigantes, an Iron Age Celtic people in Britain, ruling from about AD 43 to 69.
- She betrayed Caratacus, chieftain of the Catuvellauni, to the Romans around AD 51.
- Caratacus was paraded in Claudius's triumph in Rome but was granted clemency and lived in Italy.
- Cartimandua allied with Rome, cooperating with the invaders to maintain her power.
- Her husband Venutius led anti-Roman factions and attempted to overthrow her in AD 57 and AD 69.
- In AD 69, Venutius succeeded, and Cartimandua was evacuated by Roman forces.
- Vespasian ordered the annexation of Brigantia, leading to invasions by Petillius Cerialis (AD 71-74) and Agricola (AD 77-84/85).
- Tacitus's writings about Cartimandua were influenced by his prejudices against female rulers.
Entities
Artists
- Cartimandua
- Caratacus
- Venutius
- Vellocatus
- Boudica
- Prasutagus
- Tacitus
- Claudius
- Nero
- Vespasian
- Ostorius Scapula
- Petillius Cerialis
- Agricola
- Cunobelinus
- Bellnorix
- Verica
- Julius Caesar
- Thomas Thornycroft
- Andrew Birrell
- Francesco Bartolozzi
Institutions
- Brigantes
- Catuvellauni
- Iceni
- Atrebates
- Roman Empire
- English Heritage
- British Museum
- Wikimedia Commons
- Getty Images
- Project Gutenberg
Locations
- Britain
- Rome
- Italy
- Wales
- Yorkshire
- Lancashire
- Cumbria
- Durham
- Northumberland
- Brigantia
- Camulodunum
- Londinium
- Verulamium
- Eboracum
- York
- Stanwick
- Catterick
- North Yorkshire
- Caer Caradoc