Caratacus
Caratacus was a prominent leader of British resistance against the Roman conquest during the first century CE. He was the son of Cunobelinus, a British king, and initially rose to prominence as the king of the Dobunni tribe. Caratacus is notably remembered for his leadership during the Roman invasion of Britain initiated by Emperor Claudius in 43 CE. After facing defeat, he sought refuge with the Silures, an unconquered tribe, and led them in opposition to Roman forces for eight years. His resistance ended in 51 CE when he was defeated by Roman governor Publius Ostorius Scapula. Following his defeat, Caratacus sought asylum with Cartimandua, the queen of the Brigantes, who was allied with Rome; however, she surrendered him to the Romans. In a surprising turn, Emperor Claudius spared Caratacus’s life, allowing him to live out his remaining years in Rome. Historically, Caratacus has been depicted as a courageous and noble figure, embodying the qualities of a virtuous leader defending his homeland against a powerful empire.
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Subject Terms
Caratacus
Related civilizations: Britain, Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Military leader
Life
Son of the British king Cunobelinus, Caratacus (kuh-RAT-uh-kuhs) served as a significant leader of British resistance to the Roman conquest. Early in his career, Caratacus made himself king of the Dobunni, whom he later led against the Roman emperor Claudius during his invasion of Britain in 43 c.e. After suffering defeat, he retreated west to an unconquered tribe, the Silures, leading them in sustained resistance to Roman expansion for eight years. He was defeated by the Roman governor Publius Ostorius Scapula in 51 c.e. Seeking asylum in northern Britain, he fled to Cartimandua, queen of the Brigantes. An ally of Rome, she immediately surrendered him to Scapula. Caratacus was taken to Rome, where he was spared by Claudius and lived out the remainder of his life.
Influence
The defeat of Caratacus marked a significant milestone in the Roman conquest of Britain. In antiquity, he was depicted as brave, virtuous, dignified, and wise—a model of the noble barbarian king.
Bibliography
Braund, David. Ruling Roman Britain. New York: Routledge, 1996.
Frere, S. Britannia: A History of Roman Britain. New York: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1987.
Tacitus, Cornelius. The Annals of Imperial Rome. Translated by Michael Grant. Rev. ed. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1993.
Webster, G. Rome Against Caratacus: The Roman Campaigns in Britain, a.d. 48-58. London: B. T. Batsford, 1981.