Cymbeline is set in Ancient Britain—sometimes referred to as the British Iron Age—during a period of time when the British isle was under Roman control. This setting allows Shakespeare to explore the mounting political tensions between the indigenous British monarchy and the external force of the powerful Roman Empire. A particular point of contention is the traditional financial tribute expected by Rome. Caius Lucius, Roman ambassador, summarizes the complicated history between the two nations:
When Julius Caesar, whose remembrance yet
Lives in men's eyes and will to ears and tongues
Be theme and hearing ever, was in this Britain
And conquer'd it, Cassibelan, thine uncle,—
Famous in Caesar's praises, no whit less
Than in his feats deserving it—for him
And his succession granted Rome a tribute,
Yearly three thousand pounds, which by thee lately
Is left untender'd.
The invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar, Lucius notes, occurred within living memory of the events of the play. King Cymbeline’s own uncle, King Cassibelan, led the unsuccessful defense against Caesar’s well-organized Roman troops, ultimately granting a “tribute” of three thousand pounds a year to Rome, a tradition that Cymbeline has failed to uphold. This tribute becomes a major point of contention in King Cymbeline’s court, as his Queen and stepson Cloten encourage Cymbeline to deny the tribute to Rome, sparking a war that plays a central role in the final acts of the play. The play, then, examines the origins of British cultural identity and patriotism, as those who oppose the payment of the tribute do so in the name of Britain’s honor and independence.
