In 2019, a hoard of Roman coins was found, dating between 153 BC and 60-61 AD, in a field near Suffolk. It is quite possible that these coins can be linked to the epic revolt of the Celtic Queen Boudica. Who was she and why is she important?

Said to be strikingly tall with a harsh voice and flaming hip-length hair, Queen Boudica, or Boudicca, was the wife of King Prasutagus. Together, they were the leaders of the Iceni tribe that covered the area of East Anglia. Towards the middle of the century, the Romans attempted to take over this area. King Prasutagus, hoping for Roman favor, made Nero his co-heir with his two daughters. This was his only attempt to keep his house and kingdom but, once gone, the Romans took all of his lands, household, and family. King Prasutagus' daughters were raped and Boudica was publicly flogged. Others, unfortunately, suffered similar fates. 

Once recovered, the Briton tribes rebelled with Boudica as their leader. They captured Camulodunum (Colchester), Londinium (London), and Verulamium (St. Albans) from the Romans. Once the cities were overtaken, they treated the Romans in kind - burning towns, desecrating cemeteries and statues, and ransacking goods. Boudica was then challenged by Suetonius (who had previously fled from her wrath) and 10,000 Roman soldiers. Boudica chose to answer with her own army. 

Red hair flying behind her, Boudica gave a battle cry worthy of the ages from her chariot. The Britons' advancement, however, was halted as the Romans threw thousands of javelins into the oncoming men and women (and some children). In the ensuing combat, the Roman cavalry quickly came behind the Britons. Defeat was quick and inevitable. It is said that 80,000 Britons perished while the Roman army lost only four hundred men. Despite great losses to the Britons, Boudica was not one of them. Rather than be taken by the Romans, however, she ended her life soon after with poison in 60 or 61 AD.

The Annals of Rome by Tacitus describes this confrontation in great detail if you choose to read it. Despite this in-depth work, the exact location of this ancient battle is still unknown, with many secrets just waiting to be uncovered. Many historians agree that the West Midlands along Watling Street is a likely location. In fact, artifacts and bones have been discovered along a stretch of Watling Street. Further strengthening this idea is that the terrain of the area closely matches Tacitus' description of the location in his writings. Of course, historians can never seem to agree and this is still up for debate. Perhaps, if someone is ever so lucky, Boudica may be found soon.

Regardless of the exact location, the great battle lives on in infamy. Queen Boudica's strength is still remembered in folk history. You can even see a statue of her and her daughters besides the Thames in London, commemorating the day. They are coated in bronze and are prominent figures, yet many today do not recognize the statue or know the persons. Maybe you can change that.