227: Veleda and the Ancient Germanic Seers

In this episode, we delve into the captivating tale of the Revolt of the Batavi, an uprising that shook the foundations of the mighty Roman Empire during the years 69 to 70 AD. The Batavi, a small yet formidable Germanic population residing in Batavia along the Rhine delta, spearheaded this rebellion. As their ranks swelled with other Germanic and Celtic tribes from Gallia Belgica, they embarked on a daring mission to challenge the Roman dominion.

Key Quotes:

1. “The Revolt of the Batavi, which occurred between 69 and 70 AD, was an uprising against the Roman Empire led by the Batavi, a small but powerful Germanic population of Batavia on the Rhine delta.”
2. “The Batavi and their allies were able to humiliate the Roman army with a series of crushing defeats, including the annihilation of two Roman legions.”
3. “The Batavi people’s leader was the Romanized Gaius Julius Civilis, whose skills were honed in the Roman army as an auxiliary officer familiar with the characteristics of Roman warfare.”
4. “However, instead of supporting the Roman Empire, which had granted him citizenship, Gaius Julius Civilis decided to use his knowledge to help the Batavi.”
5. “It was a low point in Roman history. But things took a turn in 77 AD where, following some initial victories, a massive Roman army eventually defeated the insurgents.”
6. “Following peace talks, the Batavi surrendered once again to Roman rule. However, this time they were forced to accept humiliating terms and endure a legion being stationed permanently on their territory, at Noviomagus (modern-day Nijmegen, The Netherlands).”
7. “The rebellion may not have ended in favor of the Batavi in the end, but the rebels’ early successes were undeniable. The Batavi’s early victories over the Roman legions were also foretold. They were predicted by Veleda, a seer.”

Join us as we unravel the remarkable saga of the Batavi rebellion—a saga that reverberated through history, pitting a determined people against the might of Rome.

For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher’s website and check out her book “Time Maps: Mesopotamia”.