Boudicca, << boo DIHK uh >> (?-A.D. 62), was queen of the Iceni, a tribe of Britons who lived near present-day Norfolk County, England. She is also known as Boadicea << boh ad ih SEE uh >> . Boudicca’s husband, Prasutagus, had ruled as king of the tribe under the Romans. But Suetonius Paulinus, a Roman general and governor, decided to take over the Iceni territory after Prasutagus died. Boudicca, her daughters, and her tribespeople were robbed and treated unfairly. Boudicca led the Iceni and other British tribes in a revolt against their Roman rulers. The tribes burned London and other towns and defeated a Roman legion. Paulinus returned from Wales with most of his army and defeated the rebelling tribes in A.D. 60 and 61. Boudicca escaped, but soon died, probably by taking poison. Historians regard her as a heroine who defended her people against the conquering Romans.
See also Kings and queens of the United Kingdom (Early rulers) .
