One could hypothesize that 'Britain' does not come from "painted men" but from the Brigante (s), the dominant tribe of the Island, literally the tribe of Briga, Bride or Brit, an ancient goddess of light, victory and childbirth characterized by the Romans , like a Greek, Athena with her helmet, her long tunic and shield but plus trident like our own dear 'Britannia' later ? . Food for thought? Map of pre-Roman Celtic Britain (Sheppard Frere, Oxford University) (640x825) Greater Britain was increasingly Celtic from 650 BC to 150 AD. Romanised occupation and influence was for approx 400yrs between AD 43 and about to about AD 410. www.roman-britain.org/ptolemys-geography.htm www.britainexpress.com/History/roman-britain-map.htm Britain / including England was the part of the island of Greater Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island. The Romans referred to the territory as Britannia an ancient term for Britain, and also a later personification of the island. The name is Latin, and derives from the Greek form Prettanike or Brettaniai, which originally designated a collection of islands with individual names, including Albion or Great Britain. Rough Map of Britain 54 BC www.flickr.com/photos/historyfiles/5266152349/in/photostr... "Thus, European culture is inconceivable without the Celtic contribution". www.bellaterreno.com/art/celtic/celtic_tribes.aspx Cunobelin (Early 1st century AD - 40 AD) Son of Tasciovanus, father of Adminius, Togodumnus and Caratacus. During the last years of his father's reign, he invaded the territory of the Trinovantes and subdued them. He continued to rule over the Trinovantes from Camulodunum and retained his seat of government there when he succeeded to the Catuvellaunian throne upon the death of Tasciovanus circa AD 10. He became 'the first British statesman,' and through diplomatic means, probably had his kingship over the joint Catuvellaunian/Trinovantian kingdom ratified by Rome, for some of his later coinage bears the title 'REX'. He continued to rule the combined tribes from Camulodunum for many years, and his capital became the focal point of British politics, learning and trade. Cunobelinos died circa AD 42, shortly before the coming of Rome. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cunobeline Celtic Britain and Ireland were dominated by a number of tribes, each with their own well-defined territory. It is thanks to Roman cartographers , occupiers or chroniclers, such as Strabo, Julius Caesar, and Diodorus, that the names of individual tribes are known to us today, albeit in Romanized or Latin form and with variable accuracy.Tacitus writes that the Britons made no distinction in the sex of their leaders but were used to women commanders in war, the most famous of whom were Cartimandua, queen of the Brigantes, and Boudica, queen of the Iceni. Cartimandua capitulated to Rome soon after the Claudian conquest and grew rich and prosperous as a result. When the British patriot Caratacus sought refuge in her kingdom, she handed him over to Rome, which defended her in the civil war that later resulted. And, when the Iceni rebelled, it was Cartimandua who held back the Brigantes, the largest tribe in Britain, from coming to their aid. At first, the Iceni, too, had been a client kingdom of Rome. But, with the death of Prasutagus, his consort Boudica led the people in failed revolt. Boudica poisoned herself and the survivors starved—two British queens or chieftains who responded so differently to Roman domination. www.unc.edu/celtic/catalogue/boudica/map.html Celtic tribes in Ptolemy's Ireland late Iron Age 100 A.D www.flickr.com/photos/celtico/2924323142/ Albion and Hibernia - www.antique-prints-maps.co.uk/acatalog/ref1.php?imagefile... medbib.com/British_Iron_Age The Celtic Tribes of Iron-Age and Roman Britain The Tribes of England and Wales Atrebates * Belgae * Brigantes * Cantiaci Carvetii * Catuvellauni * Coritani * Cornovii Deceangi * Demetae * Dobunni * ..... ["Next to these [the Silures] are the Dobuni, and their town Corinium 18*00 54°10" Above quote from the Geographia of Ptolemy (II.ii) The Dobunni tribe occupied territories encompassing the modern counties of Gloucester, Avon, west Oxfordshire, north Somerset, along with parts of southern Hereford & Worcester and Warwickshire. They were a non-Belgic people occupying impressive hillforts with some Belgic influences. Other passages in Ptolemy Book II Chapter 2 give the ancient names of a number of rivers and other geographical features within the territories of the Dobunni tribe] ......Durotriges * Iceni * Ordovices * Parisi Regnenses * Segontiaci * Silures * Trinovantes The Tribes of Scotland Novantae * Selgovae * Damnoni * Votadini Vacomagi * Venicones * Taexali * Caledoni * Epidii The Minor Northern Tribes.... To clarify what is meant by 'minor' in the above heading, this section contains details of those tribes located by the Geographer Ptolemy in northern Britain, but were listed without any towns or settlements in a single passage quoted below: ""Next to the Damnoni, but more toward the east near the Epidium Promontorium are the Epidi and next to these the Cerones; then the Carnonacae, and the Caereni but more toward the east; and in the extreme east dwell the Cornavi; from the Lemannonis Sinus as far as the Varar Aestuarium are the Caledoni, and above these is the Caledoni Silva, from which toward the east are the Decantae, and next to these the Lugi extending to the Cornavi boundary, and above the Lugi are the Smertae."" Above quote from the Geographia of Ptolemy (II.ii) From this short passage we may deduce these tribes' positions in relation to each other, and their approximate territorial boundaries may be worked out with reference to a map of northern Britain, helped by other passages in Ptolemy's work. We must remember, however, that Ptolemy has somehow rotated Scotland 90° to the east, so that 'east' is actually north, and when Ptolemy says that a tribe is 'above' or 'below' another he actually means west and east respectively. It should be noted that separate pages are maintained for both the Epidii and Caledoni tribes, primarily because the geographer Ptolemy recorded additional details about their tribal territories. Epidii Kintyre, Knapdale and southern Argyll, probably the Isles of Arran and Bute to the east, possibly also the islands of Islay and Jura to the north-west, all of which lie in the modern region of Northern Strathclyde. Cerones Southern Ross, including Morvern, Ardmurchan, Sunart, Ardgour, Moidart, Arisaig and Morar, possibly also Knoydart and Och. It is possible that the Isle of Mull also was inhabited by this tribe. Carnonacae Inhabited the coastal region of Wester Ross on the Scottish Mainland, from the Kyle of Lochalsh in the south to Loch Broom in the north; it is possible that this tribe also inhabited the Isle of Skye, Scitis Insula, to the south-west. Caereni Inhabited the extreme north-western coast of mainland Britain in the Highland Region of Scotland, from Enard Bay in Northern Ross to Cape Wrath in Sutherland. Their territories included the mountain ranges of Ben More Assynt, Foinaven and Ben Hope. It is possible that Strath Naver marked the border between this tribe and the Cornavi to the east, the River Naver is recorded in Ptolemy as the Navarus Fluvius (or Nabarus). Cornavi Lived in the extreme north-eastern corner of the Scottish Highlands inhabiting Caithness and north-eastern Sutherland. Ptolemy names three promontories along the Cornavian coastline: Tarvedrum Sive Orcas Prom., Virvedrum Prom. and Verubium Prom., which are respectively, Dunnett Head north-east of Thurso, Duncansby Head east of John o'Groats and Noss Head north-east of Wick. Caledoni This tribe inhabited the inland parts of central Scotland to the east of the Great Glen Fault, encompassing the north Central Region, west Tayside, south-west Grampian and south-east Highland Region. Decantae Inhabited the lands to the west of the Great Glen Fault in the Highland Region of Scotland, comprising Northern Inverness and Easter Ross. Tarbert Ness, which marks the northernmost extent of the tribe, was known as Ripa Alta during Roman times, and the Beauly Firth just north-west of modern Inverness was known as the Varar Aestuarium. Lugi Inhabited the coastal regions of south-east Sutherland and southern Caithness in the Scottish Highland Region. One of the tribe's rivers is named in Ptolemy, the River Helmsdale, which empties into the Moray Firth south of the modern town of Helmsdale, was known as the Ila Fluvius to the Romans. Smertae Inhabited the inland parts of the western Scottish Highlands, comprising central and northern Ross and south-western Sutherland, between Ben Mor Coignach on the west coast overlooking The Minch and the Dornoch Firth on the east coast overlooking the Moray Firth. Bibliographical Links See: The Geography of Claudius Ptolemaeus, trans. by E.L. Stevenson (Dover, New York, 1991); Principal sites in Roman occupation of Britain, with indication of the local Celtic tribes. Tribes of Wales at the time of the Roman invasion. Exact boundaries are conjectural. Ancalites (Hampshire and Wiltshire, England) Attacotti (Scotland or Ireland, see Scoti) badonicus.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/the-attacotti-britons-... Atrebates (an important tribe of Southern England) Belgae (Wiltshire and Hampshire) www.roman-britain.org/tribes/belgae.htm Bibroci (Berkshire, England) Brigantes (an important tribe in most of Northern England) and in the south-east corner of Ireland) Burnett (Scotland) Caereni (far western Highlands) Caledones (along the Great Glen) Cantiaci (present-day Kent which preserves the ancient tribal name) Carnonacae (western Highlands) Carvetii (Cumberland) Cassi (England) Cateni (north and west of Sutherland) - they gave the county its Gaelic name Cataibh Catuvellauni (Hertfordshire) - neighbours of the Iceni, they joined in their rebellion Corieltauvi (Leicestershire) Corionototae (Northumberland) Corieltauvi (East Midlands including Leicester) Cornovii (Cornish) Cornovii (Midlands) www.roman-britain.org/tribes/cornovii.htm Cornovii (Caithness) Creones (Argyll) Deceangli (Flintshire) Decantae or Ducantae (eastern Ross and Black Isle) Demetae (Dyfed) Dobunni (Cotswolds and Severn valley) www.roman-britain.org/tribes/dobunni.htm Dumnonii or Damnonii, Domnainn) (Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Strathclyde, and Connacht in Ireland) Durotriges (Dorset, south Somerset, south Wiltshire) Epidii (Kintyre and neighboring islands) Gangani (Llŷn Peninsula) Horestiani (Fife, Scotland) Iceni (East Anglia) - under Boudica, they rebelled against Roman rule Lugi (southern Sutherland) Scoti from Ulster (and to the western portion of Scotland) Latin term for Irish pirates? Segontiaci (England) Selgovae (north of Dumfries and Galloway) Ordovices (Gwynedd) - they waged guerrilla warfare from the north Wales hills Parisii (East Riding of Yorkshire,Humberside and Gaul) Regnenses (Hampshire) Setantii (Lancashire) Silures (Gwent) - also resisted the Romans in present-day south Wales www.roman-britain.org/tribes/silures.htm Smertae (central Sutherland) Taexali (Grampian) Trinovantes (Essex) - neighbours of the Iceni, they joined in their rebellion Uluti or Volunti (north-east of Ireland and Lancashire - they gave their name to Ulster Vacomagi (in and around the Cairngorms) Venicones (Fife and south-east Tayside in Scotland Votadini (north-east England and south-east Scotland - they later formed Gododdin. www.britainexpress.com/History/Celtic_Britain.htm www.flickr.com/photos/historyfiles/5266152349/in/photostr... For more detail on the mainly Brythonic Celtic tribes of Pritannia www.celtnet.org.uk/brythonic-tribes.html www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/british_prehistory/iron_01.... www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/british_prehistory/iron_01....

UD: Feb. 2019 In a world where the average woman was not expected to live beyond her 20’s, and death in childbirth was common, it is little wonder that one of the most widespread cu…

An Oxford University archaeologist exploring the Welsh countryside has discovered an ancient Roman road in Wales. He believes it might be the lost route upon which the bluestones were transported

The Romans first attempted to invade Britain in 55 BC when Julius Caesar led an army to ‘Britannia.' It achieved little other than establishing a beachhead on the east coast of Britain at Kent. Caesar returned the following year and installed a puppet ruler named Mandubracius, but no territory was…

This Easter Bank Holiday weekend Carolyn, Will and myself spent a pleasant couple of days travelling back in time with visits to the the Roman Palace at Fishbourne, the third century Roman villa at Bignor and a call in to the historic dock yard at Portsmouth, home to all things Royal Navy. As a traditional part of JJ's Wargames I thought you might like to share in some of the highlights of our trip and so have split our visit into bite size chunks that will form the theme of several posts over the next few days. The discovery of the Roman Palace at Fishbourne outside Chichester (Roman - Noviomagus) is as old as me when the first identifiable remains of the building were unearthed in 1960 during the laying of a water-main. I first visited the site on a school trip at the tender age of thirteen so was very much looking forward to only my second visit in fifty five years. When the Emperor Claudius decided on an invasion and occupation of the island of Britannia in 43AD, the history of the cold, windy, wet islands off the north west corner of Europe was set to change irrevocably. The four Legions identified in the invasion forces were Legio II Augusta, Legio IX Hispana, Legio XIV Gemina and Legio XX Valeria Victrix under the overall command of Aulus Plautius under the guise of reinstating Verica, the exiled King of the Atrebates, a pro-Roman tribe, that had come under pressure from its neighbouring tribe, the Catuvellauni led by the two brothers Togodumnus and Caratacus who would lead the principle resistance to the invasion. The occupation of the island would be conducted over a series of campaigns culminating in the first period with the campaign of 58-60AD into what is now north Wales and Anglesey under Suetonius Paulinus. Legio XIIII make an opposed landing on Anglesey c. 60AD - Angus McBride The II Augusta Legion was lead by the future Emperor Vespasian and they would spearhead the Roman advance along the south coast of the island down into my "neck of the woods" establishing, in time, their head quarters at Exeter (Roman - Isca Dumnoniorum). Their march was not without resistance along the way with the Roman force having to capture the hill forts at Hod Hill and Maiden Castle. As the map below illustrates (43-47AD Campaign under Aulus Plautius) the Roman thrust into the south west of the island was supported by the Roman fleet along the coast and military supply depots were established in the wake of the army as it progressed and from this we find the first signs of buildings and occupation by the Romans on the site at Fishbourne as the Roman army built granaries as part of this supply chain. The first stone buildings that became part of the palace complex are thought to have been built around 73-75AD with the original wooden buildings being demolished in the 90'sAD as the main palace complex was developed still further. Early settlement at Fishbourne As can be seen, the complex was built very close to the ancient shore allowing boats to moor very close to the site. As for who the palace was built for there are inevitably several theories, among the candidates being Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus, or Togidubnus, King of the Regnenses and client King who provided support for the Roman occupation, or another local Brit, Sallustius Lucullus the 1st Century Roman Governor of Britannia who held office after Gnaeus Julius Agricola, or even the palace for the chap the formed the cover story for the invasion in the first place, King Verica himself. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberius_Claudius_Cogidubnus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sallustius_Lucullus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verica Fisbourne is very obviously a very high status building only emphasised by its similarity of layout to Domitian's palace on the Palatine Hill in Rome and its size comparing with Nero's Golden House in Rome. Aerial map showing the ancient coast line (in black) in relation to the modern against the location of the palace illustrating its waterfront location The building remained in use from the 90's AD until its destruction by fire in 270AD by causes unknown with again theories ranging from accident, coastal raiders or unrest during the revolt of the 'British' Emperor Carausius. Either way the fire proved devastating and the building fell into ruin with much of the stone work and fittings "robbed-out" over time to facilitate the easier construction of other local buildings. Map to illustrate the two Roman sites visited at Fishbourne and Bignor along the old Roman road of Stane Street The model below illustrates the palace at its pinnacle with the four distinct wings surrounding an ornamental garden and comprising state rooms, large ceremonial reception rooms, smaller enclosed court yards and, of course, a bath house complex. What remains of the one hundred lavishly decorated rooms with marbled walls and mosaic floors are some of the finest first century mosaics to be found in Britain with many of them laid at the earliest construction period of 73-75AD thus making them some of the earliest examples, with the "crown jewel" being the practically unblemished Cupid on a Dolphin floor mosaic probably laid in about 160AD. Model of the Roman Palace at Fishbourne with my reference points to give you an idea of where the pictures are located The excavated northern wing of the palace is enclosed by a modern building as illustrated in the picture above with the red lines around the excavated display, and I have put in the numbered stars to give you an idea of where the various pictures were taken in relation to the rest of the complex. Note the southern apartments wing now lies under local houses and only limited excavations have been done in that area with examples of mosaics discovered relocated into the covered display building on the northern wing Reconstruction of one of the state rooms in the palace The picture below of the display building is taken from where the large columned entrance hall was originally situated as seen at the top of the model above. The first mosaic visible is this badly damaged example in one of the entrance corridors at point 1 on the model. This being Britain, no body in their right mind would have a building without an underfloor-wall hypocaust heating system and the picture below shows the remains of this system put in in the 270sAD causing the early first century square pattern mosaic to be lifted during its construction. The full hypocaust was not finished before the building was destroyed by fire. Hypocaust System to underfloor and wall heat the palace The picture below shows the remains of the Roman plaster, skirting board that ran along the bottom of the painted plaster on the walls up to the mosaic on the floor and was designed to protect the walls when the floors were swept. In the room below the black and white mosaic floor had damage gradually repaired with pink mortar until its use was finally given over to a blacksmiths workshop in the late third century, with the remains of the forge hearth seen in the top corner and the discovery of two anvils, when excavated in the late 1960's. The multicoloured polychrome mosaic seen below was laid in the third century over an earlier black and white design. It is called the Shell Mosaic as it appears to show two scallop shells on each side of a central panel containing fish or dolphins flanked by a row of diamonds To be found at about Point 2 in the model picture is the magnificent cupid on a dolphin mosaic state room floor. Laid in the mid second century AD, Cupid with a trident rides a dolphin surrounded by sea panthers and sea horses. The room was originally one of the main dining rooms of the north wing that looked out onto the secluded garden courtyards and relied on neighbouring heated rooms to provide warmth to it. In the picture below can be seen the remains of one of the enclosed garden courtyards seen either side of Point 2 on the model. The cluster of flat stones in the centre is thought to have been a mounting for a small statue or water display and the rain guttering can be seen around the edge of the area. The pile of stones and tiles is all that remain of the walled enclosure that surrounded the space. Below another third century polychrome mosaic showing Solomon's Knot, surrounded by dolphins and wine vases, with each corner showing a scallop shell. In the picture below you can see the remains of the original highly decorated wall plaster. A pattern of a red panel surrounded by black and white bands can still be seen on this section of wall that remains. The sign in the centre of this floor rather says it all. The craftsmanship in these floor patterns are still to be seen two thousand years later. One of four burials discovered in the building, date unknown due to a lack of grave articles to enable a calculation. The only clear fact is that the burials happened after the building was destroyed as the concrete floor was dug up to enable the interment. The floor below shows the evidence of damage by the plough and the remains of the edge of a medieval strip field that has cut through the red tessellated floor. The next picture shows another third century polychromatic mosaic called the Rosette Mosaic with a six petalled rosette at its centre with a small black bird next to it. The colours are stunning, especially when you consider the age of this floor Below in the next two pictures are part of what remains of the unusual first century "Fortress Mosaic" so named because the surrounding border represents fortified town wall with castellation along its top, square towers in each corner and gateways at the centre of each side. This early mosaic was found in 1979 under the Cupid on the Dolphin mosaic and was relaid so it could be seen to its full extent, being the original main dining room floor. The far end of the display building is taken up by the remains of the bath house The picture below shows the only indication of the first buildings constructed on the site, namely the wooden granaries built for the Roman army at the time of the invasion in 43AD. The mosaic floor has sunk into the soft infilling of the original post holes from the earlier wooden buildings. The ornamental garden has been carefully constructed based on the archaeology of the original layout which has revealed the plan of the box hedges that were laid together with the Cyprus trees planted at Point 5 on the model. The houses in the picture below are built over the southern wing that looked out over the ancient beach front. The garden of course was considered as an outdoor room and when the weather permitted allowed for the equivalent of the "Roman barbecue" as evidenced by the Triclinium The centre also has an excellent display of plants that were common for the period or introduced by the Romans to be used as foods or medicines. The alternative Roman "Prozac". I'm not sure if Woodruff is the Loperamide of its day. You would certainly need Wormwood if the Empress Livia came to visit Fortunately the Adder is the only poisonous snake in Britain, and not much of a threat to healthy adults, so the Southernwood is there for the elderly and kids. The Cyprus tree plantings give the garden area a very sympathetic reference point for working out where the rest of the palace would have been. Fishbourne also has a display of other artefacts discovered in or near the villa over the years which help to give the building context. I love coin hoards and Roman coins in general as a great way of pinning down time and place based on the coins of a given period. The High Weald Hoard was discovered in 2006 by metal detectorists just up the "Roman" road from Fishbourne near Brighton and is one of the largest Roman hoards discovered in Britain, containing 2,895 silver coins from the third century AD. The hoard contained two very rare coins, with the heads of Tranquillina, wife of Emperor Gordian III, and Cornelia Supera wife of Emperor Aemilianus. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelia_Supera https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tranquillina http://www.icollector.com/Roman-Emp-Tranquillina-Antoninianus-or-2-denarius_i8604771 Two very rare Roman coins, top right Empress Tranquilina and bottom right Empress Supera The following pictures show the various items discovered in the building when it was excavated . High quality work on these external portico fittings show the status of the building The tiles always provide a link with the people and animals from the past Other examples of the fine painted wall plaster within the palace A particularly fine piece of Samian pottery tableware In addition items of the Roman army and its early association with the site have also been discovered. Copy of a Roman helmet, now in the British Museum discovered in Chichester harbour Roman soldiers metal belt fittings Balista bolt head Claudian period bronze coins from the time of the invasion As a gamer myself I always love to see ancient gaming pieces The Roman Palace at Fishbourne is a unique site here in Britain and is a rare example of a very high status Roman building in the wider Empire that dates from the very early first century with some of the most complete and exquisite examples of Roman mosaics on display. If you get the chance I would highly recommend a visit.

This article looks at the history of the Celts in central Europe, as well as the six Celtic nations of northwestern Europe. Were they all the same Celts? Read this article for an introduction to the historical debate.

The political situation in Albion prior to the battle Unknown, but heavyThe Battle of Penn Hill was fought in AD 665 between a British and an Anglo-Saxon coalition at Penn Hill in northern Dumnonia, the precise location of which is unknown. It resulted in a decisive British victory, and reversed the Saxon expansion westwards across Albion. Germanic migrants, mainly from the Angle, Saxon and Jutish tribes, began arriving on the east coast of Albion in the mid-5th century, during the chaos followi

L'esercito romano qui presente era davvero immenso: i 66 accampamenti fanno luce sulla famigerata conquista

Ruled A.D. 60

One could hypothesize that 'Britain' does not come from "painted men" but from the Brigante (s), the dominant tribe of the Island, literally the tribe of Briga, Bride or Brit, an ancient goddess of light, victory and childbirth characterized by the Romans , like a Greek, Athena with her helmet, her long tunic and shield but plus trident like our own dear 'Britannia' later ? . Food for thought? Map of pre-Roman Celtic Britain (Sheppard Frere, Oxford University) (640x825) Greater Britain was increasingly Celtic from 650 BC to 150 AD. Romanised occupation and influence was for approx 400yrs between AD 43 and about to about AD 410. www.roman-britain.org/ptolemys-geography.htm www.britainexpress.com/History/roman-britain-map.htm Britain / including England was the part of the island of Greater Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island. The Romans referred to the territory as Britannia an ancient term for Britain, and also a later personification of the island. The name is Latin, and derives from the Greek form Prettanike or Brettaniai, which originally designated a collection of islands with individual names, including Albion or Great Britain. Rough Map of Britain 54 BC www.flickr.com/photos/historyfiles/5266152349/in/photostr... "Thus, European culture is inconceivable without the Celtic contribution". www.bellaterreno.com/art/celtic/celtic_tribes.aspx Cunobelin (Early 1st century AD - 40 AD) Son of Tasciovanus, father of Adminius, Togodumnus and Caratacus. During the last years of his father's reign, he invaded the territory of the Trinovantes and subdued them. He continued to rule over the Trinovantes from Camulodunum and retained his seat of government there when he succeeded to the Catuvellaunian throne upon the death of Tasciovanus circa AD 10. He became 'the first British statesman,' and through diplomatic means, probably had his kingship over the joint Catuvellaunian/Trinovantian kingdom ratified by Rome, for some of his later coinage bears the title 'REX'. He continued to rule the combined tribes from Camulodunum for many years, and his capital became the focal point of British politics, learning and trade. Cunobelinos died circa AD 42, shortly before the coming of Rome. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cunobeline Celtic Britain and Ireland were dominated by a number of tribes, each with their own well-defined territory. It is thanks to Roman cartographers , occupiers or chroniclers, such as Strabo, Julius Caesar, and Diodorus, that the names of individual tribes are known to us today, albeit in Romanized or Latin form and with variable accuracy.Tacitus writes that the Britons made no distinction in the sex of their leaders but were used to women commanders in war, the most famous of whom were Cartimandua, queen of the Brigantes, and Boudica, queen of the Iceni. Cartimandua capitulated to Rome soon after the Claudian conquest and grew rich and prosperous as a result. When the British patriot Caratacus sought refuge in her kingdom, she handed him over to Rome, which defended her in the civil war that later resulted. And, when the Iceni rebelled, it was Cartimandua who held back the Brigantes, the largest tribe in Britain, from coming to their aid. At first, the Iceni, too, had been a client kingdom of Rome. But, with the death of Prasutagus, his consort Boudica led the people in failed revolt. Boudica poisoned herself and the survivors starved—two British queens or chieftains who responded so differently to Roman domination. www.unc.edu/celtic/catalogue/boudica/map.html Celtic tribes in Ptolemy's Ireland late Iron Age 100 A.D www.flickr.com/photos/celtico/2924323142/ Albion and Hibernia - www.antique-prints-maps.co.uk/acatalog/ref1.php?imagefile... medbib.com/British_Iron_Age The Celtic Tribes of Iron-Age and Roman Britain The Tribes of England and Wales Atrebates * Belgae * Brigantes * Cantiaci Carvetii * Catuvellauni * Coritani * Cornovii Deceangi * Demetae * Dobunni * ..... ["Next to these [the Silures] are the Dobuni, and their town Corinium 18*00 54°10" Above quote from the Geographia of Ptolemy (II.ii) The Dobunni tribe occupied territories encompassing the modern counties of Gloucester, Avon, west Oxfordshire, north Somerset, along with parts of southern Hereford & Worcester and Warwickshire. They were a non-Belgic people occupying impressive hillforts with some Belgic influences. Other passages in Ptolemy Book II Chapter 2 give the ancient names of a number of rivers and other geographical features within the territories of the Dobunni tribe] ......Durotriges * Iceni * Ordovices * Parisi Regnenses * Segontiaci * Silures * Trinovantes The Tribes of Scotland Novantae * Selgovae * Damnoni * Votadini Vacomagi * Venicones * Taexali * Caledoni * Epidii The Minor Northern Tribes.... To clarify what is meant by 'minor' in the above heading, this section contains details of those tribes located by the Geographer Ptolemy in northern Britain, but were listed without any towns or settlements in a single passage quoted below: ""Next to the Damnoni, but more toward the east near the Epidium Promontorium are the Epidi and next to these the Cerones; then the Carnonacae, and the Caereni but more toward the east; and in the extreme east dwell the Cornavi; from the Lemannonis Sinus as far as the Varar Aestuarium are the Caledoni, and above these is the Caledoni Silva, from which toward the east are the Decantae, and next to these the Lugi extending to the Cornavi boundary, and above the Lugi are the Smertae."" Above quote from the Geographia of Ptolemy (II.ii) From this short passage we may deduce these tribes' positions in relation to each other, and their approximate territorial boundaries may be worked out with reference to a map of northern Britain, helped by other passages in Ptolemy's work. We must remember, however, that Ptolemy has somehow rotated Scotland 90° to the east, so that 'east' is actually north, and when Ptolemy says that a tribe is 'above' or 'below' another he actually means west and east respectively. It should be noted that separate pages are maintained for both the Epidii and Caledoni tribes, primarily because the geographer Ptolemy recorded additional details about their tribal territories. Epidii Kintyre, Knapdale and southern Argyll, probably the Isles of Arran and Bute to the east, possibly also the islands of Islay and Jura to the north-west, all of which lie in the modern region of Northern Strathclyde. Cerones Southern Ross, including Morvern, Ardmurchan, Sunart, Ardgour, Moidart, Arisaig and Morar, possibly also Knoydart and Och. It is possible that the Isle of Mull also was inhabited by this tribe. Carnonacae Inhabited the coastal region of Wester Ross on the Scottish Mainland, from the Kyle of Lochalsh in the south to Loch Broom in the north; it is possible that this tribe also inhabited the Isle of Skye, Scitis Insula, to the south-west. Caereni Inhabited the extreme north-western coast of mainland Britain in the Highland Region of Scotland, from Enard Bay in Northern Ross to Cape Wrath in Sutherland. Their territories included the mountain ranges of Ben More Assynt, Foinaven and Ben Hope. It is possible that Strath Naver marked the border between this tribe and the Cornavi to the east, the River Naver is recorded in Ptolemy as the Navarus Fluvius (or Nabarus). Cornavi Lived in the extreme north-eastern corner of the Scottish Highlands inhabiting Caithness and north-eastern Sutherland. Ptolemy names three promontories along the Cornavian coastline: Tarvedrum Sive Orcas Prom., Virvedrum Prom. and Verubium Prom., which are respectively, Dunnett Head north-east of Thurso, Duncansby Head east of John o'Groats and Noss Head north-east of Wick. Caledoni This tribe inhabited the inland parts of central Scotland to the east of the Great Glen Fault, encompassing the north Central Region, west Tayside, south-west Grampian and south-east Highland Region. Decantae Inhabited the lands to the west of the Great Glen Fault in the Highland Region of Scotland, comprising Northern Inverness and Easter Ross. Tarbert Ness, which marks the northernmost extent of the tribe, was known as Ripa Alta during Roman times, and the Beauly Firth just north-west of modern Inverness was known as the Varar Aestuarium. Lugi Inhabited the coastal regions of south-east Sutherland and southern Caithness in the Scottish Highland Region. One of the tribe's rivers is named in Ptolemy, the River Helmsdale, which empties into the Moray Firth south of the modern town of Helmsdale, was known as the Ila Fluvius to the Romans. Smertae Inhabited the inland parts of the western Scottish Highlands, comprising central and northern Ross and south-western Sutherland, between Ben Mor Coignach on the west coast overlooking The Minch and the Dornoch Firth on the east coast overlooking the Moray Firth. Bibliographical Links See: The Geography of Claudius Ptolemaeus, trans. by E.L. Stevenson (Dover, New York, 1991); Principal sites in Roman occupation of Britain, with indication of the local Celtic tribes. Tribes of Wales at the time of the Roman invasion. Exact boundaries are conjectural. Ancalites (Hampshire and Wiltshire, England) Attacotti (Scotland or Ireland, see Scoti) badonicus.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/the-attacotti-britons-... Atrebates (an important tribe of Southern England) Belgae (Wiltshire and Hampshire) www.roman-britain.org/tribes/belgae.htm Bibroci (Berkshire, England) Brigantes (an important tribe in most of Northern England) and in the south-east corner of Ireland) Burnett (Scotland) Caereni (far western Highlands) Caledones (along the Great Glen) Cantiaci (present-day Kent which preserves the ancient tribal name) Carnonacae (western Highlands) Carvetii (Cumberland) Cassi (England) Cateni (north and west of Sutherland) - they gave the county its Gaelic name Cataibh Catuvellauni (Hertfordshire) - neighbours of the Iceni, they joined in their rebellion Corieltauvi (Leicestershire) Corionototae (Northumberland) Corieltauvi (East Midlands including Leicester) Cornovii (Cornish) Cornovii (Midlands) www.roman-britain.org/tribes/cornovii.htm Cornovii (Caithness) Creones (Argyll) Deceangli (Flintshire) Decantae or Ducantae (eastern Ross and Black Isle) Demetae (Dyfed) Dobunni (Cotswolds and Severn valley) www.roman-britain.org/tribes/dobunni.htm Dumnonii or Damnonii, Domnainn) (Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Strathclyde, and Connacht in Ireland) Durotriges (Dorset, south Somerset, south Wiltshire) Epidii (Kintyre and neighboring islands) Gangani (Llŷn Peninsula) Horestiani (Fife, Scotland) Iceni (East Anglia) - under Boudica, they rebelled against Roman rule Lugi (southern Sutherland) Scoti from Ulster (and to the western portion of Scotland) Latin term for Irish pirates? Segontiaci (England) Selgovae (north of Dumfries and Galloway) Ordovices (Gwynedd) - they waged guerrilla warfare from the north Wales hills Parisii (East Riding of Yorkshire,Humberside and Gaul) Regnenses (Hampshire) Setantii (Lancashire) Silures (Gwent) - also resisted the Romans in present-day south Wales www.roman-britain.org/tribes/silures.htm Smertae (central Sutherland) Taexali (Grampian) Trinovantes (Essex) - neighbours of the Iceni, they joined in their rebellion Uluti or Volunti (north-east of Ireland and Lancashire - they gave their name to Ulster Vacomagi (in and around the Cairngorms) Venicones (Fife and south-east Tayside in Scotland Votadini (north-east England and south-east Scotland - they later formed Gododdin. www.britainexpress.com/History/Celtic_Britain.htm www.flickr.com/photos/historyfiles/5266152349/in/photostr... For more detail on the mainly Brythonic Celtic tribes of Pritannia www.celtnet.org.uk/brythonic-tribes.html www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/british_prehistory/iron_01.... www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/british_prehistory/iron_01....

In order to discover whether the Roman occupation of Britain actually was as seismic a shift in history as portrayed within many circles. We must first look at the very thing which helps us wade through history, archaeology itself. - HeritageDaily - Archaeology News

A fantastically interesting map showing the Roman Empire's division England and Wales, or Ancient Britain as the map calls it, and the ancient Celtic tribes that inhabited the British Isles before the Roman conquest. The map was originally published by the Society for the Diffusion of Knowledge (SDUK) in 1834....

Os grid reference: SD9383 9013. The very well-defined almost square-shaped earthworks of Bainbridge Roman Fort, lie just a little to the east of the village on the opposite side of the river Bain a…

In 2006, I visited the amphitheater of Londinium or London. The above drawing gives a nice panoramic view over Londinium - fort and vicus...

Learn about the history, the importance and the construction of Roman Roads in Britain. Educative article by Odyssey Taveller.

London: Roman Londinium Map Created by Britannica Online for Kids.