Boudica I (Celtica)

Boudica I or Boudica the Great was queen of the Inceni Tribe from c. 59 AD to 110 AD. She is known for her defense against the Roman Empire in 61 AD.

Against the Romans
Boudica's husband, Prasutagus, who had been an ally of Rome until his death, gave his kingdom to his wife and daughters in his will. The Roman Empire, seeing Boudica's less-than-favorable policies, decided to annex the Inceni tribe via invasion. Leading the defense, Boudica was able to keep the Romans out of Inceni. Telling tales of Rome's betrayal of the kingdom to the other Celtic tribes, rallied the others to defend Inceni during the constant attempted invasions.

This not only strengthened Inceni relations with the other tribes, but it prevented Rome from annexing most of Britain. In early 62 AD, Boudica led an assault on Londinium, burning much of it and killing 80,000 people. Though Londinium was abandoned shortly after, the Inceni tribe did not move in at this time. In 68 AD, when Nero died, the new Roman Emperor offered peace to the Inceni tribe. The Inceni tribe and Romans enjoyed peace.

Establishing Relations With Other Tribes
Boudica was known not only for her skills in combat, but also for her strong diplomatic skills. During the Roman Assault, she was known for convincing other tribes to rally against the Romans. This usually worked and it established strong relations with the other Celtic tribes. Her diplomacy paved the way for the great Celtic kingdoms to rule the area.

It is said that she tried to stay on the Roman's good side too by helping to rebuild Londinium.

Death
Boudica lived to the age of 71. Inceni had grown into a very large tribe. Unfortunately, she began to forget many things she had done or seen. While most people today would realize that this is Alenstún's Disease (OTL Alzheimer's Disease), most people at the time assumed that she had been possesed. She was restrained and left alone for months, save for attempts at ridding her of the evil spirit. Methods of getting the evil spirit out failed, so they tried a last ditch effort. Rumor has it that they sliced her entire torso open in hopes of getting the evil spirit out. Others dispute this claim, saying she may have died of starvation or Alenstún's Disease.

Trivia

 * Boudica's real name has been disputed, though a definite answer has yet to surface.
 * The facepaint opiate worn by Celtic warriors had a great effect on her, though she nearly died after the Battle of Londinium due to the large amount of the facepaint opiate she wore.
 * Her children led a long dynasty of rulers and important people in Inceni and other Celtic tribes. The last known direct descendant of Boudica lived until 1066 AD, when the Normans invaded Olmhór.
 * St. Patrick visited her grave in modern-day Incenia many times during his visit to Ireland.