Catuvellauni

The Catuvellaunii (meaning probably good in battle) were one of the Celtic tribes living in the British Isles, previous to the Roman invasion of Britain. The tribe lived in southern England, namely in modern Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and southern Cambridgeshire. Their capital was Verulamium, nowadays St. Albans, Hertfordshire. The first appearance of the Catuvellaunii in history dates from 54 BC, during Julius Caesar's second exploratory landing in Britain. Despite the fact that they are not mentioned as a tribe, Caesar names one Cassivellaunus as the leader of the combined opposing force to the Roman invasion, in his reports on the Gallic Wars (De bello gallico). This king was the warlord of the lands ascribed to the tribes, permitting thus the inference. The Catuvellaunii are probably the otherwise unknown Cassi tribe described by Caesar. In the following years, the Catuvellaunii become a powerful tribe and their first king acknowledge by numismatic evidence is Tasciovanus, who was the probable founder of the St Albans setting known in Latin as Verulamium. In the 20s, evidence suggest a state of war with the neighbour tribe of the Atrebates, during the rule of Cunobelin. It was this conflict that provided the excuse for the Roman invasion led by emperor Claudius. Following the Roman conquest of 43, they become quickly Romanised. Nevertheless, the adoption of a Roman lifestyle did not prevent the birth of a rebel in the tribe: Caratacus.

Catuvellaunii men

Kings

\nNote: Different sets of issued coins suggest the existence of several sub-kings of the Catuvellauni, organised in a federation, which are not listed here.\n*Cassivelaunus (?)\n*Tasciovanus, ruled ca.20 BC-ca.10 AD, pursued war against the Trinovantes\n*Cunobelin, son of the above, ruled ca.10-ca.42 AD, also king of the Trinovantes, pursued war with the Atrebates. His life is portrayed in William Shakespeare's tragedy Cymbeline\n*Togodumnus, son of the above, ruled ca.42-ca.43 AD, died in the battle of Medway against the Romans

Others

\n*Adminius, son of Cunobelin, struggled for power with Togodummus\n*Caratacus, son of Cunobelin, leader of Welsh resistance against Rome\n*Epaticcus (died ca. 35 AD), brother of Cunobelin, issued his own coinage and fought actively against the Atrebantes See also: List of Celtic tribes

External link

\n*Comprehensive information on Roman Britain Category:Ancient Roman enemies and allies