CARTIMANDUA

flourished 1st century AD queen of the Brigantes, a large tribe in northern Britain, whose rule depended upon support from the invading Roman armies. After concluding a treaty with Rome early in its conquest of Britain, which began in AD 43, Cartimandua was faced with a series of revolts by anti-Roman elements among her subjects. In 48, Roman forces intervened for the first time to help her quell these disturbances. Three years later the queen's forces arrested the leader of the British resistance, Caratacus, who had fled to Brigantium to rally support for his cause, and turned him over to the Romans. In so doing she assured continuation of Roman support. In 57, when her husband and coruler, Venutius, attempted to overthrow her by stirring up anti-Roman sentiment, the Roman legions put down the uprising. Venutius and Cartimandua were reconciled and reigned together until 69, when she left him for his armour bearer, Vellocatus. Once again Venutius rebelled, and for the third time the queen was rescued by Roman troops. After this insurrection there is no further record of her career. In 71 the Romans defeated the Brigantes under Venutius and annexed their territory. Silver coins minted during the reign of Cartimandua have survived.