Suetonius (?)

Gaius Suetonius Paulinus ©

Little is known of Gaius Suetonius Paulinus's early life. The earliest record of his career dates from 42 AD, during the reign of the Emperor Claudius, when he suppressed a revolt in Mauretania (north Africa) and became the first Roman to cross the Atlas mountains. In 58 AD, he was appointed governor of Britain, by which time the area south-east of a line between the Wash and the Severn estuary was under Roman domination. Beyond that, the situation was more unstable.

Suetonius engaged in war against the Ordovices in Wales, and was attacking the Druids in Anglesey at the start of the campaign season of 61 AD. Here he was victorious, but, far to the south-east, in the rich, settled region around the capital, Camulodunum (Colchester), rebellion erupted. The uprising endangered not only the province but also Paulinus's career.

The Iceni tribe, led by Boudicca, rose against the Romans and sacked Camulodunum. Suetonius heard of the uprising and set off towards Londonium (London). However, the rebels sacked London and then Verulamium (St Albans). In the West Midlands - the exact location is not clear - the two armies met in the Battle of Watling Street. Though outnumbered, the professional efficiency of Suetonius's men won the day and defeat turned into slaughter. Boudicca is thought to have poisoned herself. News of Suetonius' brutality reached Rome and an excuse was found to remove him from his post. However, his career was not harmed too much - he became a consul in 66 AD. In 69 AD, during the year of civil war that followed the death of Nero, he found himself on the losing side but was granted a pardon. What became of him after that is not known.