Adminius facts for kids

Adminius, also known as Amminius or Amminus, was an ancient British prince. He was the son of Cunobelinus, a powerful king who ruled the Catuvellauni tribe in Iron Age Britain. His name might mean "very tender" in the old British language.

Who Was Adminius?

Adminius was a prince from a strong British tribe called the Catuvellauni. His father, King Cunobelinus, was a very important ruler in ancient Britain. Adminius's name, which can also be spelled Amminius or Amminus, might mean "very tender" in the old language spoken by the Britons.

Adminius's Rule

Around the early to mid-1st century AD, Adminius seemed to rule over another tribe called the Cantiaci. This tribe lived in what is now eastern Kent. We know this because coins with Adminius's name on them have been found there. It's likely that his father, King Cunobelinus, had a lot of influence over this area.

Exiled by His Father

The Roman writer Suetonius tells us that Adminius was removed from power and sent away by his father around 39 or 40 AD. King Cunobelinus had usually been friendly with the powerful Roman Empire.

Some historians think that the older king might have lost control to other sons, Togodumnus and Caratacus. These brothers might have been against the Romans and forced Adminius out. Another idea is that the Cantiaci tribe might have rebelled against the Catuvellauni's rule.

Adminius fled to Europe with a small group of his followers. He then gave himself up to the Romans. The emperor at that time, Caligula, made a big deal out of this small event. He even wrote an exciting report and insisted it be read to the Roman senate.

Caligula's Big Plan

Adminius might have convinced Emperor Caligula that Britain was easy to attack. He might have suggested that an invasion would be a great victory for Caligula. It's possible that capturing Adminius gave Caligula the idea to invade Britain.

However, this invasion never happened. Some Roman historians say it was because Caligula was quite unusual. They say he ordered his army to collect seashells from beaches in Gaul (modern France) as war trophies. Another reason might have been a rebellion among the soldiers gathered at Boulogne for the invasion.

Why Rome Invaded Britain

In any case, Rome refused to send Adminius back to his father. This made many people in Britain feel more and more against the Romans. This growing tension eventually led to Emperor Claudius's successful invasion of Britain in 43 AD.

Adminius's Family?

An old stone carving found in Chichester mentions someone named "Lucullus, son of Amminus." Dr. Miles Russell from Bournemouth University believes that Sallustius Lucullus, a Roman governor of Britain in the late 1st century, was Adminius's son. This governor is also mentioned in another carving found in Chichester.