Historians say King Verica persuaded Rome to invade Britain. But could Verica actually have been a queen?

A new archaeological theory suggests the British leader who convinced Emperor Claudius to launch Rome’s AD43 invasion of Britain may have been a woman rather than a king, challenging long-held historical assumptions. If confirmed, the claim by a leading archaeologist could reshape understanding of early Roman-British relations and the role of women in pre-invasion leadership. The proposal hinges on reinterpretations of ancient sources and archaeological evidence, though it remains highly debated among historians. The revelation could prompt fresh examinations of Britain’s earliest recorded encounter with imperial Rome.

Controversial theory that Verica, who incited Emperor Claudius’s AD43 landing, was a woman could put a new spin on British history if trueIt was a moment that changed the course of British history: in AD43, Roman troops under the emperor Claudius landed in Kent. Now, an archaeologist has claimed the British ruler who persuaded Claudius to invade was not a king but a queen.The controversial conclusion, made by Dr Miles Russell, the director of archaeological fieldwork at Bournemouth University, could throw new light on Britain’s history. Continue reading...