Antedios facts for kids
Antedios or Anted was an ancient king of the Iceni, a Celtic tribe who lived in what is now Norfolk in Britain. He was a leader during an important time, just before and during the Roman invasion of Britain.
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Antedios: King of the Iceni
Antedios became king around 25 CE (which means 'Common Era', like AD). He took over from another Iceni ruler named Can. His time as king was significant because it happened when the powerful Roman Empire was starting to look at Britain.
Who Were the Iceni?
The Iceni were a strong and independent Celtic tribe living in the eastern part of Britain. They were known for their farming and their unique culture. They had their own kings and leaders, and they minted their own coins.
Antedios and the Romans
When the Romans invaded Britain in 43 CE, Antedios chose to stay neutral. This meant he didn't pick a side in the fight. Because of this, the Romans later made him a "client king." This meant he could still rule his people, but he had to be loyal to Rome and follow their rules. It was a way for Rome to control areas without having to send lots of soldiers.
The Mystery of Antedios's Coins
Antedios issued coins with his own name, "Anted," on them. This was a common way for kings to show their power and authority. However, he later stopped making these coins. It's thought that other important Iceni nobles might have pressured him to stop. After that, he issued coins that simply said "ECEN," which was short for "Iceni," referring to the whole tribe instead of just himself.
What Happened to Antedios?
It is believed that Antedios probably died before a big conflict called the Icenian War in 47 CE. After this war, a new pro-Roman leader named Prasutagus became king of the Iceni. Antedios was not mentioned again after this time, which suggests he was no longer alive or in power.
