Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus facts for kids

Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus was a king who lived in Britain during the 1st century AD. He ruled the Regni (or Regnenses) tribe when the Romans were taking control of Britain.

Many people believe that the amazing Roman villa at Fishbourne was his home. This area, including Chichester, was likely part of the Atrebates tribe's land before the Romans arrived in AD 43. Cogidubnus might have been related to Verica, the Atrebatic king whose removal led the Roman emperor Claudius to invade Britain. After the Romans conquered the area, it became part of the Regnenses' territory, possibly Cogidubnus's kingdom before it joined the Roman province. Public buildings like baths, an amphitheater, and a forum in Silchester were probably built when Cogidubnus was king.

Who Was King Cogidubnus?

The name "Tiberius Claudius" shows that the Roman emperor Claudius (or perhaps Nero) gave Cogidubnus Roman citizenship. This was a great honor, meaning he was treated like a Roman citizen. His full name is usually written as "Cogidubnus," but some experts think "Togidubnus" might be closer to his original Celtic name.

Cogidubnus was known for being loyal to Rome. He was a "client king," which means he ruled his own people but stayed friendly with the Roman Empire. This helped the Romans keep control of Britain more easily. He continued to be a loyal king for many years, even into the later part of the 1st century AD.

Fishbourne Roman Palace

Fishbourne Roman Palace is a very large and fancy Roman villa in Britain. It was discovered by archaeologist Barry Cunliffe. He believes this grand palace was Cogidubnus's royal home. The earliest parts of the palace date back to around AD 65. This timing fits with when Cogidubnus was king.

However, some historians suggest the main part of the palace was built later, in the early AD 90s. This was during the time of Emperor Domitian. Domitian built a similar palace in Rome called the Domus Flavia. Because of this, some think Fishbourne might have been built for a Roman governor named Sallustius Lucullus. Even so, the idea that it was Cogidubnus's palace is still very popular.

King Cogidubnus in Stories

Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus is a well-known character in the Cambridge Latin Course textbooks. He appears in Books II and III. In these stories, he lives at Fishbourne Palace. He gets sick and travels to Bath, hoping the sacred baths will cure him. However, he becomes involved in a plot against his life.

He is also a character in several historical novels:

• He is the main character in An Accidental King by Mark Patton.
• He appears as a smaller character in Claudius by Douglas Jackson.
• He is the father of the main characters in They of Rome.
• He is mentioned in A Body in the Bath House and The Jupiter Myth by Lindsey Davis.
• In Chariot of the Soul by Linda Proud, he tells his own story. He describes studying in Rome and then returning to Britain to convince other tribal kings not to fight the Romans.
• He is also mentioned in Ben Aaronovitch's novel Broken Homes.

See also

In Spanish: Tiberio Claudio Cogidubno para niños