The British History Podcast 9 – Suetonius, Part-Time Mountain-Climber and Full-Time Jerk.
8 snips
Jun 27, 2011 AI Snips
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Episode notes
Personal Feud Became Open Rebellion
- Venutius escalated his private feud with Cartimandua into open war by claiming the legacy of Caratacus.
- His decision followed Cartimandua imprisoning his family and shows personal grievance fueling political rebellion.
Client Kings Used As Northern Buffer
- Rome preferred a compliant local ruler like Cartimandua to keep the wild north contained and protect the southern province.
- The Romans used client kingship as a buffer rather than direct occupation when it suited strategic interests.
Queen's New Lover Fueled Backlash
- Cartimandua publicly took Velocatus, Venutius's former armour-bearer, as her new consort and made him king, intensifying Venutius's humiliation.
- This personal betrayal accelerated her loss of support and reliance on Roman troops.