Caratacus (or Caractacus) was a Briton tribal leader who led the resistance against the Roman conquest of Britannia during the 1st century CE. When Roman emperor Claudius (reign 41-54 CE) invaded in 43 CE, Caratacus and his brother, Togodumnus, ruled the Catuvellauni tribal kingdom, which dominated much of southern Britain. Their forces were unable to prevent the Roman capture of Camulodunum, and Togodumnus was killed. Caratacus escaped and continued the struggle among the Silures of Wales. A skilled guerrilla commander, Caratacus won multiple victories before suffering a decisive defeat in 50 CE. Betrayed to the Romans by Cartimandua of the Brigantes, Caratacus was taken to Rome. His dignified address before Claudius impressed the emperor, who allowed him to live out his remaining years in Italy. Caratacus later became an icon of British patriotism.
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