Cartimandua
Cartimandua was a notable queen of the Brigantes, a Celtic tribe in what is now northern England, ruling from around 41 to 60 CE. She is recognized for her strategic alliance with the Romans, signing a peace treaty that provided her tribe with their protection. However, this alliance was controversial among her subjects, as many preferred to resist Roman authority, leading to rebellions in 48 CE. Cartimandua's decision to betray the Welsh leader Caratacus, who sought refuge with her, further alienated her from the anti-Roman factions within her tribe, including her husband Venutius. Over time, opposition against her grew, and she formed a relationship with a man named Vellocatus, who supported her against Venutius. Despite her efforts, Cartimandua was forced to abdicate around 69 CE, and the Brigantes eventually fell completely under Roman control. Her reign serves as a complex example of leadership and the challenges of maintaining power amid external pressures and internal dissent.
On this Page
Cartimandua
Related civilizations: Britain, Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Queen of the Brigantes
Life
In their campaigns in Britain, the Romans encountered, among other Celtic tribes, the Silures in the west (Wales), and the Brigantes in the north (near modern York). Cartimandua (kahrt-uh-MAN-juh-wuh) ruled the Brigantes from circa 41 to circa 60 c.e. and signed a peace treaty with the Romans in return for their protection. Some of her subjects preferred to resist the Romans and resorted to rebellion in 48 c.e. Meanwhile, Romans under their general Publius Ostorius Scapula routed the Silures in a battle and sent the Welsh leader Caratacus in flight toward Brigantia. Instead of sanctuary, Cartimandua offered him betrayal, and he was taken to Rome in chains. This betrayal further upset the anti-Roman elements in Brigantia, including Cartimandua’s husband Venutius, who began to intrigue against her.
Cartimandua formed a liaison with a man called Vellocatus who, along with the Romans, helped her struggle against Venutius, but she was forced to abdicate in 69 c.e. The Brigantes were soon completely subjugated by the Romans.
Influence
Cartimandua’s attempts to remain independent ultimately failed, and her self-serving betrayal of Caratacus helped the Romans conquer Britain.
Bibliography
Ireland, S. Roman Britain: A Sourcebook. London: Routledge, 1996.
Jackson, Guida M. Women Who Ruled: A Biographical Encyclopedia. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1998.
Jones, David E. Women Warriors: A History. London: Brassey’s, 1997.
Salway, Peter. The Oxford Illustrated History of Roman Britain. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1993.
Tacitus, Cornelius. The Annals of Imperial Rome. Translated by Michael Grant. Baltimore: Penguin, 1956.