Boudica's Rebellion (feat. Eluveitie ~ The Arcane Dominion)

I was bored one day, so made a pretty crappy tribute to my heroine Boudica ("bringer of victory"), and basically to all the rebels of the ancient Celtic world, and also to the magic that is Eluveitie and Manda Scott's poetic prose (yes, I'm bringing quite a few loves of mine together here). I felt this Eluveitie song appropriate; it feels at once dark and mysterious, kind of sad and angry, yet full of energy and hope. I've also included some of my favourite lines from Manda Scott's epic novel 'Boudica: Dreaming the Bull' (the second in a series of 4 books), as well as a version of Tacitus' recount of Boudica's alleged speech to her followers at the last battle (which is probably made up, but hey, it's still inspiring :P). I don't own any content.
Boudica was queen of the Eceni/Iceni tribe in Britain at the time of the Roman occupation, which lasted from 43 - 410 AD. In around 60/61 AD, her husband, Prasutagus, died. He was a client king, meaning he could rule his tribe as long as he supported Rome. In his will it stated he wished half his wealth go to the emperor (that was law) and half to his and Boudica's two daughters. The tax collector laughed at this. If they had had sons, half would've gone to them (possibly. "Loans" were being recalled at this time, so they most likely would've found a way to, excuse me, fuck them over anyway). Women had no standing in Roman society, when they did in Celtic society, so when Boudica protested, she was flogged and her daughters raped by soldiers. This incident sparked her revolt and inspired her people, as well as neighbouring tribes, such as the Trinovantes, to support her war. First to feel their wrath was the capital at that time, Camulodunum (Colchester), in Trinovantian territory. The local people had been kicked off their land and forced to pay for and build the temple of Claudius (former emperor who launched the invasion of Britain), and it was known as a "citadel of everlasting tyranny." It was a town of Roman veterans (retired soldiers) and their families. The veterans were beaten back to the temple, where they barricaded themselves inside. It took two days to break through. All were slaughtered. Boudica's army then continued to Londinium (London) and Verulamium (Saint Albans) to continue their revenge and fight for freedom. The governor, Seutonius Paulinus, busy bringing down the isle of Mona and the druids (Celtic priests/law-makers) at the time (coincidence that Boudica's uprising came at around the same time?), rushed back to London to assess the situation. He knew he would lose the town, so evacuated all those who could or would leave. These places were put to the torch by the Britons and all killed who did not manage to flee before they got there.
They moved west, toward Paulinus' army, and eventually engaged in open battle somewhere around the midlands. Despite Boudica's alleged heartening speech to her followers, the Britons lost that day, the last massive blow to Celtic culture (although, some minor rebellions still went on, most notably Venutius' effort, from the Brigantes tribe, in 69AD, which actually may have not been that minor as he managed to usurp queen Cartimandua, Roman supporter, the one who handed over famous war leader Caratacus in 51AD). Much of Britain was fortified afterwards, although it is said the next governor of Britain was more diplomatic than Seutonius had been, as Rome feared another uprising if they failed to treat the people "fairly". Boudica herself is said to either have killed herself (in despair, or because it was preferable to Roman capture) or to have died from "illness" (maybe infected battle wounds). Still, no one knows where she is buried or even if she was buried, despite Dio saying she was given a lavish burial by her people (questionable).

Artist: Eluveitie
Album: Evocation I: The Arcane Dominion
Song: The Arcane Dominion

Видео Boudica's Rebellion (feat. Eluveitie ~ The Arcane Dominion) канала Rhiannon's birds