Bournemouth University archaeologist discovers something that could 'rewrite Britain’s early history'
The Iron Age ruler, long assumed to be male, may have played a pivotal role in persuading Emperor Claudius to invade Britain in AD 43
Last updated 5th Nov 2026
A British Iron Age ruler whose appeal to Rome helped trigger the invasion of Britain in AD 43 was a woman, according to shocking new research by Bournemouth University (BU).
Verica, ruler of the Atrebates, controlled territory covering much of modern-day Hampshire and West Sussex. She was driven from power around AD 40 and fled to Rome to seek help from Emperor Claudius.
Her sex has been overlooked by historians, with BU research director Dr Miles Russell arguing that 19th-century scholars assumed Verica was male because of the patriarchal attitudes of their time.
“Verica was not only critical to the special relationship between Britain and Rome in the early first century AD but was indisputably female,” said Dr Russell, director of archaeological fieldwork at the university.
One clue, he said, is the name itself: Verica ends in “a”, like those of other female rulers of the period, including Cartimandua of the Brigantes and Boudica of the Iceni.
Verica’s coins have also been used to suggest she was male because they carry the Latin title “rex”.
But Dr Russell said the term was not gender-specific and could apply to female monarchs, citing Cleopatra of Egypt.
In fact, he points to the coins’ imagery, which depicts Verica as a slender, feminine, bare-breasted figure on horseback, in contrast with the male warriors shown on coins issued by other British leaders.
The discovery could change how the invasion’s origins are understood. The Roman historian Cassius Dio wrote that Claudius invaded because Verica persuaded him to cross the Channel.
Dr Miles Russell argues her contribution went beyond providing a pretext for military action. Her knowledge of Britain and support on the ground helped make the campaign possible.
“Verica provided the excuse for regime change and the emperor seized it,” he said.
Claudius, often portrayed by Roman writers as weak and influenced by women and freed slaves, gained a major military triumph from the conquest.
Dr Russell believes Verica should be remembered as one of Britain’s earliest and most influential female leaders.
“Had she not been deposed, fleeing to Claudius for military support, Rome may never have invaded Britain in the first place,” he said.