Did Women In Pre- Roman Britain Have Any Real Power?

There is evidence for extremely powerful women as leaders. Archaeology and historical sources reveal that many women were assigned high staus either on their own merits or through their family or husband.

Probably the most famous of these women is Bouddicca or Buddig ( Victory in Welsh), the ruler of the Iceni who lead the revolt against the Romans c AD 61.
Dio Cassius decribed her as a priestess of the goddess Andrasata - goddess of victory. According to The Annals of Tactius ' it is not the first time that Britons have been lead by a woman.

Other powerful women include a contemporay and rival of Boudicca, Cartimandua ( the sleek pony?) ruler of the powerful tribe Brigantes. She is said to have had a long reign fron around cAD43-69, she unlike Boudicca 'towed' the Roman line.

Legend, myth and sagas all support the idea of the strong and powerful female, not least of these is Medb of Connacht who slew Cuchulainn.

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