Prasutagus and the Big Fish - Evidence from Celtic Coins

Current Archaeology (Issue 205) has an interesting article by Chris Rudd showing how useful coins continue to be re the dynasties in power before the Roman period.


One of the examples he gives is from the reexamination of silver coins found at Joist Fen in Suffolk over 40 years ago. Numismatists have reconstructed the name Esuprastus or Esu Prasto from the inscription which reads 'SVB Ri Prasto' and 'Esico Fecit' - the later part meaing Esico made it. It is thought that Esuprastus is the native version of the name King Prasutagus - the husband of the famous Queen Boudicca.

The coins are typical Celtic design showing a a head on one face with a horse on the other - following the designs on coins of Philip of Macedon.

He also refers to one Ale Scavo - the latter part of the name suggesting a Roman connection from Scaevola - left handed. Rudd suggests he was succeeded by Esu Prasto, possibly after the rebellion of 47AD, suggesting Prasutagus was put in place by the Romans after the rebellion.

Rudd prefers to render the name of Boudicca's kingdom as the Eceni not the Iceni.

Rudd also refers to the 'restoration' of the name of King Tincomarus - meaning 'Big Fish' as King of the Regini - the regini being the southern branch of the Atrebates, centred on Novio Magus at Chichester.

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