The Ancients

Boudica's Tribe: How the Iceni Survived the Romans

37 snips
Oct 26, 2025
Join Professor William Bowden, a Roman archaeology expert, and Andy Woodman, a seasoned field archaeologist, as they explore the resilience of the Iceni tribe. Discover how the Iceni navigated life before and after Boudica's revolt, revealing their rich culture and social structures. They delve into exciting finds from the Caistor Roman Project, from exquisite artifacts to insights on daily life, demonstrating the tribe's endurance and adaptability amidst Roman rule. A fascinating journey into the past that brings ancient history to life!
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INSIGHT

Town As Shared Roman‑Iceni Space

  • Venta Icenorum was a Roman market town inhabited by the Icenī and reflected both Roman and local interests.
  • The town symbolized Roman authority while preserving Icenī continuity and identity in daily life.
ADVICE

Embed Community Ownership In Projects

  • Build archaeology projects with strong community and volunteer involvement to sustain long‑term work.
  • Professor Bowden created a charity in 2009 so locals lead and manage excavation activity.
INSIGHT

Roman Presence Was Not Total Replacement

  • The Roman-vs-Iron Age binary is misleading; most people in Roman Britain were local descendants, not immigrants.
  • Roman presence was small and cultural exchange was porous and two‑way, reshaping identities over time.
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