Caratacus chose the Ordovices of mid-Wales as his battleground for his final stand. He selected a site with a river in front and steep hills behind, fortified it with stone ramparts, and addressed his warriors. Tacitus provides the stirring oration. The Roman assault overran the defences; Caratacus's wife and children were captured. He fled north to Cartimandua of the Brigantes, who treacherously handed him to Rome. His speech before Claudius — preserved by Tacitus — remains one of the finest pieces of ancient historical rhetoric. Claudius pardoned him.
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