"She was an exceptionally tall woman with a terrifying appearance. Her fierce eyes and harsh voice commanded attention, while her thick, fiery-red hair cascaded in great waves down to her hips. As for her attire, she consistently wore a gold necklace and a brightly colored tunic, all draped beneath a heavy cloak fastened with a brooch. While speaking, she gripped a spear tightly, adding to the aura of fear she inspired in those who beheld her."  

This is how the Roman historian and politician Cassius Dio, in his *Roman History*, described Boudicca (33 AD – 61 AD), the queen of the Iceni tribe of Eastern England. According to Tacitus, Boudicca received her military and political training at the age of 14 when she was sent to live with another family. There, she learned the art of war and the traditions of the Celtic tribes that inhabited Britannia. Her tribe, the Iceni, had initially been allies of Rome, which ruled the island, at least until 43 AD, when the Roman legate Publius Ostorius, aiming to prevent unrest, ordered the mandatory disarmament of the Iceni warriors. In response, the Iceni, gathering allies from neighboring tribes, rebelled, only to be defeated and forced to accept a Roman puppet king, Prasutagus, while still maintaining some degree of autonomy.  

Boudicca herself, upon returning home in 47 AD, was given in marriage to King Prasutagus. In his will, Prasutagus decreed that the Iceni kingdom should be inherited by his wife, his daughters, and partly by the Roman emperor, Nero at the time, who customarily allowed subject populations a measure of freedom in exchange for tribute. However, Roman law recognized only male-line succession, and as a result, Boudicca was not acknowledged as a legitimate ruler. Her lands were confiscated, and she was publicly humiliated.  

In 61 AD, driven by a desire for revenge, Boudicca led what is considered the largest Celtic uprising against the Romans. Uniting the tribes and commanding a vast army, she inflicted two major defeats on the Romans, even capturing the city of Colchester. However, Rome’s superior military strength ultimately prevailed. Defeated, Boudicca took her own life rather than be captured. Leaderless, the remaining rebels surrendered, bringing an end to the insurrection.