Roman Britain / Learning resources

Peoples and communities

The Trinovantes

A people of eastern Britain connected with Camulodunum, shifting power and Boudica’s revolt.

Camulodunum before the colony

Camulodunum, at modern Colchester, lay in a changing political landscape. Its connections with the Trinovantes preceded the rise of Cunobelinus and Catuvellaunian power there. Communities, dynasties and important settlements should not be treated as permanent blocks with unchanging borders.

Land and Roman settlement

After the invasion of AD 43, a Roman military base was followed by a colony of veterans. The appropriation of surrounding land became a major grievance. Roman settlement was therefore experienced through property and power as well as through new buildings and trade.

Joining the revolt

Trinovantian participants joined the revolt associated with Boudica and the Iceni. Camulodunum became an early target. This connection does not mean that the Trinovantes and Iceni were the same people, or that everyone in the region made the same choice.

Context and evidence

Separate the pre-conquest settlement, the military fortress and the veteran colony in your timeline. An ancient community name cannot identify the personal position of every resident.

Sources and further reading

  1. University of Warwick: the causes and course of Boudica’s revolt
  2. University of Warwick: the Catuvellauni before Rome

Romans in Britain · People · Places · Learning resources