For the play that William Shakespeare wrote in an alternate universe, see Boudicca (Play)
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Boudicca (d AD 61) was an ancient queen of a tribe known as the Iceni in Britannia. After being subjected to humiliation at the hands of the Roman Empire (including the annexation of her people, the rape of her daughters, and her own flogging), she led her tribe in a rebellion against the Roman occupiers in AD 60 or 61. Although she burned several settlements, Londinium among them, Boudicca was ultimately defeated by a Roman army led by Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. There are numerous conflicting accounts of how she died. Her story became a part of British lore.
Alternate spellings of Boudicca include Boudica and Buddug. Starting in the 16th century, some authors referred to her as Boadicea or Bonduca, but these names are now generally considered to be in error.
Boudicca in Ruled Britannia
Boudicca's deeds were the inspiration for the English playwright William Shakespeare's 1598 play bearing her name. The play had been secretly commissioned by Sir William Cecil in the hopes that it would inspire English audiences to overthrow the Spanish occupying forces and restored Queen Elizabeth to the throne. This it did in 1598, not in small part because it drew many parallels between Boudicca and Elizabeth.
In the play's 1598 debut at the Theatre, Boudicca was played by Joe Boardman.
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| Preceded by Prasutagus |
Queen of the Iceni 60-61 (dates estimated) |
Succeeded by none; Gaius Suetonius Paulinus as Roman Governor of Britannia |
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