Calling all armchair generals! Boudica's Last Stand.

[Nathan Ross]

So can Tacitus' statement be disproved at all?    

One of Dudley and Webster's original objections was that Tacitus often conflates the events of several years. But he does seem particularly emphatic here. He could just have made a mistake, of course...

If the revolt was in October or so, it's quite likely that Paulinus had wrapped up his operations in Wales and perhaps even had his troops on the road back to winter camp (at Wroxeter?) by the time he heard of it. That allows him much more time to get to London, perhaps via an attempted march on Colchester first.

If the battle was in autumn or winter, it means that all streams and rivers are going to be flowing much stronger than in most of our estimates so far.

It also means that many of the rebels fleeing the battle may have died of cold and hunger, increasing the death toll.

It also changes the look of the battlefield, of course. From thick foliage, long grass and sun to bare trees, rain and mud...