Tasciovanus was a historical king of the British Catuvellauni tribe before the Roman conquest. He has been identified with Tenvantius, a legendary British king according to Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain).

History

Tasciovanus is known only through numismatic evidence. He appears to have become king of the Catuvellauni about 20 BC, ruling initially from Verulamium (St Albans). From about 15 BC to 10 BC his coins were issued from Camulodunum (Colchester), so it would seem he ruled over the Trinovantes at this time. After this his coins were once more issued from Verulamium, and no longer refer to him by the Latin title of "rex" (king). He reconquered Camulodunum by about 9 BC, and died not long afterwards.

He had two notable sons: Cunobelinus, who succeeded him, and Epaticcus, who began the conquest of the Atrebates.

Legend

According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, Tenvantius was the second son of King Lud. When Lud died, his eldest son Androgeus was meant to rule. However, because they were both still young, Cassivelaunus, his father's brother, became king instead. Tenvantius was given by Cassivelaunus the lands of Cornwall to rule and the king often called upon Tenvantius in matters of politics in the kingdom. When Caesar invaded, Tenvantius aided his uncle and brother in defeating the Roman general. Following the third invasion and defeat to the Romans, Androgeus left for Rome with Caesar. Six years later, Cassivelaunus died and Tenvantius became king. During his reign, he ruled his kingdom harshly but faithfully. He tended to follow the laws of the land but was steadfast in fair justice. He was succeeded by his son Cymbeline.