Verica facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Verica
King of Atrebates tribe
Stater issued by Verica
Reign	c. 15 – c. 42
Predecessor	Eppillus, king of the Atrebates tribe
Successor	Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus, king of the Regni or Regnenses tribe
Father	Commius

Verica was an important British king who lived in the early 1st century AD. He was a "client king" of the Roman Empire. This means he ruled his own people but was also an ally and friend of Rome. Verica's time as king happened just before the big Roman invasion in 43 AD.

From the coins he made, it seems Verica was king of the Atrebates tribe. This tribe likely came from a group called the Belgae. He was also the son of a king named Commius. Verica's coins show that his kingdom was mainly in what is now Sussex and east Hampshire in England. The main city of his kingdom was probably near where the Roman city of Noviomagus Reginorum (modern Chichester) was later built.

Verica became king around 15 AD, taking over from his older brother, Eppillus. He might have also ruled another part of the Atrebates' land, which was centered at Calleva Atrebatum (now called Silchester). The Romans saw Verica as a true king, and he had good relationships with them. They traded with each other and worked together.

Verica's Kingdom: A Look at His Rule

Verica's kingdom faced challenges from a powerful tribe to the east, the Catuvellauni. This tribe was led by Epaticcus, who was the brother of another strong king named Cunobelinus. Around 25 AD, Epaticcus took over Calleva, which was part of Verica's land.

How Verica Fought for His Land

After Epaticcus died around 35 AD, Verica managed to get some of his land back. But then, Cunobelinus's son, Caratacus, became a leader. Caratacus was very strong and took over Verica's entire kingdom sometime after 40 AD. By 42 AD, Verica was forced out of his kingdom. His land had shrunk to just a small area around Chichester.

Why Verica's Exile Led to Roman Invasion

The Roman writer Dio Cassius wrote that "Bericus" (who was almost certainly Verica) was forced to leave Britain around this time. This happened during a rebellion. Another Roman writer, Suetonius, mentioned that the Britons demanded Rome send back "certain deserters."

Rome's Excuse to Invade Britain

Since Verica was a king and an ally of Rome, his being forced out gave the Roman Emperor Claudius a reason to invade Britain. Claudius could say he was helping his friend and ally.

Verica's Role in the Roman Invasion of Britain

Verica's good relationship with Rome has led some historians to believe that the Roman invasion might have landed along the south coast of Britain. This would have allowed them to help Verica directly. The traditional landing spot is Richborough in Kent, but Verica's story offers another idea.

Why Rome Supported Verica

Verica's southern kingdom had been friendly with Rome for many years. The Romans likely saw Verica as an important ally. He could help balance the power of the strong Catuvellauni tribe to the north. This tribe was becoming a threat to the Roman Empire's border. Because of this, Rome might have decided to send its army to support Verica against the Catuvellauni. Unlike other nearby areas, the ancient hillforts in Verica's main territory show no signs of being strengthened for war. This suggests that the people in his area were friendly towards Rome.

What Happened to Verica After the Invasion?

After the Roman invasion, Verica might have been put back on his throne as king. However, there are no clear historical records or archaeological findings to prove this. Soon after, a new ruler for the region appeared: Cogidubnus. Cogidubnus might have been a relative of Verica. By this time, Verica would have been very old.

Images for kids

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  Stater issued by Verica