Caratacus is a first century British chieftain of the Catuvellauni tribe, who leads the British resistance to the Roman conquest.

Before the Roman invasion, Caratacus participates in battles that expand the territory of his tribe.

His success only leads to Roman invasion, nominally in support of his defeated enemies.

Resisting the Romans, he mixes guerrilla warfare with set-piece battles, but is unsuccessful in the latter.

After his final defeat, he flees to the territory of Queen Cartimandua, who captures him and hands him over to the Romans.

He is sentenced to death as a military prisoner, but makes a speech before his execution that persuades the Emperor Claudius to spare him.

The legendary Welsh character Caradog ap Bran and the legendary British king Arvirargus may be based upon Caratacus.

Caratacus's speech to Claudius has been a common subject in art.