8. Boudica
Boudica was a leader of the Iceni tribe on the British island in an uprising against the Roman Empire. Her struggle began when Rome broke the alliance treaty and she was flogged. When the local governor launched a military campaign in northern Wales, Boudica took the opportunity by sacking Camulodunum and defeating a relieve force, the IX Hispana legion. Londinium (modern-day London) was also captured and an estimated 80,000 people perished during the rebellion. This caused the ruling emperor Nero to consider pulling out completely from Britain; but the local governor, Suetonius, was eventually able to defeat Boudica, despite being heavily outnumbered.
Boudica’s fame returned during the Victorian era and she has since remained a popular cultural symbol for the English people.