Database: Venutius

Husband to the female chieftain Cartimandua of the Brigantes tribe, Venutius initially followed his wife's lead and stayed aloof from the battles against the Roman emperor Claudius.

However, when the Briton warrior Caratacus sought refuge with the Brigantes, Cartimandua—against Venutius's counsel—delivered Caratacus to the Romans and became a sort of vassal to the Empire.

In an affront to her leadership, Venutius opposed this decision. Cartimandua threw him over for his standard-bearer. In what one can only imagine was a fit of pique, Venutius struck out on his own and soon became one of Rome's fiercest opponents. He waged war across northern England and into Wales for years.

Eventually, Venutius took complete command of the Brigantes. They became a perennial thorn in the side of Rome.