Caratacus: King of the Britons

Dr. Myles Russell discusses his new book on Caratacus, the British resistance leader who fought the Romans for seven years. The episode explores the historical debate over Caratacus's name and his family's role in the Roman invasion of Britain. Russell argues that the invasion was triggered by a succession crisis between Caratacus and his brother Togodumnus, rather than solely by Caratacus's rebellion. The discussion also covers the archaeological evidence from coinage and the likely landing sites of the Roman forces in AD 43.

Topics discussed

Sponsors and introduction to Caratacus Guest welcome and book context Caratacus's significance and name pronunciation Historical sources and the 'King of Britons' title Geographical evidence and source limitations Locating battlefields and the lack of physical remains Cunobelinus's power and Roman trade interests Rival kings seeking Roman intervention Caratacus's familiarity with Rome and potential visit Roman hostage policies and linguistic evidence Caratacus's brothers and the family's Roman connections The succession dispute and Roman recognition of kings Emperor Claudius's motivation for invasion Sponsors and American History Hit promo Civil conflict theory and Verica's appeal to Rome The landing site debate and initial Roman strategy Claudius's arrival and the second wave of invasion Landing in Sussex and the conflict resolution phase River battles and the reality of Roman vs. Briton arms Tactical challenges at the Thames and Togodumnus's role Claudius's reinforcements and the fall of Colchester Tribal surrenders and the end of the first phase American History Hit promo Clarifying Togodumnus's fate and identity Rewards for Roman allies and the Fishbourne Palace Caratacus's retreat to Wales and guerrilla strategy Guerrilla warfare in the Welsh highlands Success of resistance and the challenge of persuasion Roman resource needs and the necessity of capture Roman encirclement tactics and the move to Yorkshire The decision to fight a pitched battle in Wales Description of the battle in North Wales Outcome of the battle and capture of family The 'Braveheart' speech and move to the Brigantes Cartimandua's decision to surrender Caratacus Caratacus as the last free king of Southern Britain The triumphal procession and Caratacus's speech in Rome Claudius's clemency and Caratacus's pardon Caratacus's life in Rome and final fate Comparing the fates of the two brothers Caratacus's legacy and modern historical neglect Closing remarks and subscription call to action

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Caratacus: King of the Britons

Summary

Topics discussed