The Rebellion of Boudicca
Seutonius’ Story
I am Seutonius and I am Governor of the Roman
Province of Britain. I don’t like Britain it is cold and
wet and the Celtic Tribes are savages. I would have
preferred to have been made governor of a warmer
part of the Empire. Still, I will make sure I keep these
Celts in order and get metals like iron and tin for the
Roman Empire.
I am in Wales, it is a place you now call Angelsey in the
north of Wales. We have to deal with trouble from a
tribe of more savages they have been stirred up by the
Druids. We will put down this uprising and sort these
Britons out they will be ruled by Rome. I have told my
men to kill everyone men, women and children. This also
seems to be a temple to their gods it is nothing
compared to the temples we build to our Roman gods. I
have also ordered my men to destroy this area and cut
down all the trees. That will show them the power of
Rome and Roman gods.
Word has come that the king of the Iceni is dead he
seemed to be at peace with Roman rule so I expect no
trouble from his widow. More word has arrived
Boudicca has gathered and army and has attacked
Roman cities Colchester, London and Saint Albans and
killed thousands of Roman citizens. We could be driven
from this province so I must march my army south to
put down this other rebellion.
We are gathered on the battlefield, they have more
men than I do but I know these Celts do not have the
battlefield discipline that Roman soldiers have.
Boudicca is rallying her army. Hah! she has even
brought her supporters. Well I will hold my line and
show them how a real army fights a war.
We are victorious, the Celts made charge but my men
held we broke their line and advanced through them.
As the battle went against them they turned and fled
but were trapped by their supporters. Once we had
defeated their soldiers I ordered my men to kill all
that stood in our way, even women and children. We
have also captured Boudicca and her daughters. I have
her under guard so she cannot escape and I will take
her to Rome to show the emperor proof of my great
victory over these Celts. She will pay for the Romans
she has killed and the cities she destroyed.
A centurion has just told me that Boudicca is dead.
Both her and her daughters have taken poison. I am
furious but at least I defended the Roman Province and
saved us from total disaster.
Questions:
1. Who is Suetonius?
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2. Where is he from?
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3. Does he like Britain?
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4. What does he think of the Celts?
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5. Why was Seutonius in North Wales?
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6 What did he do there?
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7. What did Suetonius do when he heard of the
rebellion?
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8. Did he think that Boudicca would lead an army?
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9. Do you think that Suetonius thought he would beat
the Celtic tribes and why?
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10. What did he want to do to Boudicca when he had
caught her?
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10. Continue to explain what Suetonius want to do to Boudicca
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11. Was Suetonius angry that Boudicca had killed
herself?
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12. Draw a picture of Seutonius and his soldiers?