National Geographic History - 09.10 201

Tacitus provides details of the battleground where

the Romans finally finished off Boudica’s revolt:

“a position approached by a narrow defile, closed

in at the rear by a forest.” Some historians argue

the “defile” is the River Anker near Mancetter, in

Warwickshire, England. This illustration is based

on a site near Mancetter that matches Tacitus’s

description of the spot. The configuration of the

two armies is also based on Tacitus’s account.

3

COUNTERATTACK

Having exhausted all

their projectiles, the Roman

legionaries together with the

auxiliary infantry and cavalry

units make their counterattack.

The mounted troops mow down

the rebel forces.

2

3

1

1

1

1

A

2

2

2

2

2

B

BC

C

1

DEFENSIVE STAND

Protected by the forest,

legionaries and auxiliaries

hold back the rebels by

hurling lances at them.

FINAL BATTLE

ILLUSTRATION: PETER DENNIS/OSPREY PUBLISHING

2

BRITISH ATTACK

Organized into tribal

groupings, the Britons, who also

use chariots, launch themselves

into battle against the well-

organized Roman defense.