Iron Age King was a WOMAN! Study reveals the true identity of 'Verica' - a ruler who was central to the Roman Invasion of Britain

Published: 19:01 EDT, 4 November 2026 | Updated: 19:01 EDT, 4 November 2026 An Iron Age ruler who historians presumed was a king has been found to have been a woman.For years experts thought Verica, a British ruler central to the Roman invasion, was a man.But in a discovery that rewrites the history of early Roman Britain, analysis by Bournemouth University researchers shows that 'he' was actually a 'she'.Dr Miles Russell, who led the research said: 'Verica is assumed to have been male because of the mindset of 19th century classical historians.'Verica was not only critical to the special relationship between Britain and Rome in the early first century AD but was indisputably female.'She was the ruler of the Atrebates – a tribe whose territory covered much of what is now Hampshire and parts of Wiltshire. Verica was a British ruler who was central to the Roman invasion of Britain in 43AD, after convincing Emperor Claudius to cross the channel Coins depicting Verica feature the term 'rex' – non-gender specific title as both male and female rulers were recognised by RomeIn 40AD, Verica was ousted from power and fled Britain to Rome, ruled by Claudius – an emperor often portrayed as weak–minded and easily swayed by women.According to Roman historian Cassius Dio, the invasion of Britain in 43AD only happened because Verica persuaded Claudius to cross the channel.Researchers noted that the name 'Verica' ends in an 'a', common for female names at the time, such as Cartimandua of the Brigantes (in Yorkshire) and Boudica of the Iceni (in Norfolk).Researchers also pointed to coins that depicted Verica as a 'slender, feminine, bare-breasted figure riding on horseback' while others from the time show obviously male warriors.Dr Russell said: 'People also assume she was a "he" because of the term "rex" on coins, but rex is a non-gender specific title, both male and female kings were recognised by Rome; Cleopatra of Egypt being the most famous.'The use of the Latin title rex on coins shows that Verica ruled with the full authorisation of the emperor.' Another coin depicts Verica as a 'slender, feminine, bare-breasted figure riding on horseback' Who was Verica? Veria was the ruler of the Atrebates – a tribe whose territory covered much of what is now Hampshire and parts of Wiltshire.She was ousted from power in 40AD and fled Britain to Rome, ruled by Claudius – an emperor often portrayed as weak–minded and easily swayed by women. According to Roman historian Cassius Dio, the invasion of Britain in 43AD only happened because Verica persuaded Claudius to cross the channel. Another key factor is Claudius's reputation of being easily swayed by women.'Dio was saying that the campaign was undertaken solely because of the whisperings of a barbarian femme fatale,' Dr Russell explained.'Verica's role was rather more central to the British expedition. Having her onboard ensured the project was a success as she provided tactical information and support on the ground.'The invasion was Claudius's great triumph – it being the only chance he had to prove he was a successful military leader. Verica provided the excuse for regime change and the emperor seized it.'Dr Russell concluded: 'We should take the archaeological evidence at face value and remember Verica as a female-king and one of the earliest and most important of British female leaders.'Had she not been deposed, fleeing to Claudius for military support, Rome may never have invaded Britain in the first place.'