Prastagus and The Icini Boudicca’s rebellion began with the British Icini tribe roughly 20 years after the Roman conquest of Britain began in 43 AD . The Icinian king Prastagus was able to secure his tribe’s status as a client kingdom of Rome. This subservient relationship with Rome was typical for leaders near Roman territory borders, with Rome promising mutual support in exchange for obedience . Rome received a relatively reliable buffer for its periphery by creating a form of vassal state out of previously loosely connected groups of people . Renegotiated at the death of each client king, the status of the region was never truly secure for the natives because Rome tended to forsake its promises when the support of the client kings was no longer necessary . Prastagus likely chose to ally with Rome as a defense against aggressive neighbors, not realizing the long-term negative consequences such a decision would have on his kingdom . Prastagus left his …show more content…
Rather than intimidating those around her, it is likely that her appearance was intended to create awe in her followers, wielding a spear as a symbol of spiritual power . Her role as a religious figure is highlighted in the source texts and she likely had a role as a powerful priestess, claiming omens that they would be successful in their rebellion against Rome . Her pre-battle speech to the rebels included acts of divination and prayers to the goddess Andraste, ensuring the fighters that the gods were on their side in the struggle . Paullinus was on his way to attack the druids in Mona when the revolt started, likely adding to a sense that the natives’ religion and culture were under assault and encouraging neighboring tribes to join in the resistance