# Bournemouth University archaeologists conclude Iron Age ruler Verica was a woman, not a man

- Published: 2026-11-15 06:46 UTC
- Section: Science › Research
- Tags: Verica, Iron Age Britain, Atrebates, Bournemouth University, Miles Russell, Roman Britain, Iron Age coins, rex title, Cassius Dio
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-0dff8a9374f51e0eb79b352b_bournemouth_university_archaeologists/

**Authors of a Bournemouth University study say Verica, ruler of the Atrebates in Iron Age Britain and long assumed male, was a woman, citing her name and coin imagery.**

![Bournemouth University archaeologists conclude Iron Age ruler Verica was a woman, not a man](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/bb090f079633be52.webp)
*actu.fr*

Archaeologists at Bournemouth University (BU) have concluded that Verica, a ruler of Iron Age Britain, was a woman, according to a new study reported by actu.fr [1]. Verica ruled the Atrebates, a tribe whose territory covered much of present-day Hampshire and West Sussex [1]. The authors say this changes the picture of the early history of Roman Britain [1].

## Who Verica was

According to the Roman historian Cassius Dio, the invasion of Britain took place only because Verica persuaded the emperor Claudius to cross the Channel [1]. Dr Miles Russell of BU said Verica played a crucial role in the close relationship between Britain and Rome at the start of the 1st century AD [1].

Russell attributes the long-standing assumption that Verica was a man to the patriarchal mindset of 19th-century classical historians [1]. In his words, Verica was unquestionably a woman [1].

## Evidence from the name and coins

One clue Russell points to is that the name "Verica" ends in "a", a common ending for women's names of the period [1]. He cites Cartimandua of the Brigantes in Yorkshire and Boudica of the Iceni in Norfolk as comparable examples [1].

The confusion, he says, arises from the word "rex" on coins. It is often read as proof of a male ruler, but "rex" is a title without gender, and Rome recognised both kings and queens, Cleopatra of Egypt being the best-known example [1]. Russell adds that the Latin title on the coins shows Verica ruled with the full authorisation of the emperor [1].

The coins struck in her name offer a second clue. Other British Iron Age rulers who issued coins are clearly shown as male warriors, whereas Verica is depicted as a slender, feminine, bare-breasted figure on horseback, according to Russell [1].

The study describes the invasion as Claudius's great triumph, his only chance to prove himself a competent military leader, with Verica providing the pretext for a change of regime [1]. The research adds to earlier work at the university on the role of women in Iron Age Britain [1].

## Sources

1. [actu.fr](https://actu.fr/histoire-patrimoine/de-nouvelles-recherches-revelent-que-le-roi-de-grande-bretagne-a-l-age-du-fer-etait-en-realite-une-femme_65052502.html)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-0dff8a9374f51e0eb79b352b_bournemouth_university_archaeologists/