The Mighty Brigantes

Who were the Brigantes?

Where else were the Brigantes mentioned by the Greek geographer Ptolemy?

What does the Welsh word 'braint' mean?

Which emperor is said to have defeated the Brigantes after they began an unprovoked war against Roman allies?

What is one of the possible purposes of Hadrian's Wall?

According to Tacitus, who almost defeated the Romans under a woman's leadership?

Who was the governor of Britain during the Roman invasion in 47 AD?

What is the meaning of the Proto-Celtic root *brigant-?

Which tribe in Britain was territorially the largest?

Who was the Brigantian queen who showed loyalty to the Romans by handing over the resistance leader Caratacus?

The Brigantes

The Brigantes were a Celtic tribe that inhabited parts of Northern England, particularly in the area of modern-day Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Early Mentions of the Brigantes

The Greek geographer Ptolemy mentioned the Brigantes in his works, also referencing them in relation to other places such as Bergytia and Londinium (modern-day London).

Etymology of the Word 'Brigantes'

The Welsh word 'braint' means 'hill' or 'highland', which may be connected to the Proto-Celtic root *brigant-, meaning 'high' or 'highland'.

Roman Conquest of the Brigantes

The Roman Emperor Claudius is said to have defeated the Brigantes after they launched an unprovoked attack on Roman allies.
One of the purposes of Hadrian's Wall, built in 122 AD, was possibly to separate the Romans from the Brigantes and other Celtic tribes.

The Brigantes in Roman History

The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that the Brigantes almost defeated the Romans under the leadership of a woman, Cartimandua, the queen of the Brigantes.

Roman Governors and the Brigantes

Aulus Plautius was the governor of Britain during the Roman invasion in 47 AD, which led to the eventual submission of the Brigantes.
Cartimandua, the Brigantian queen, demonstrated her loyalty to the Romans by handing over Caratacus, the leader of the Celtic resistance.

The Brigantes' Territorial Significance

The Brigantes were the largest tribe in Britain in terms of territory, occupying a considerable area in the north of England.

Test your knowledge about the Brigantes, an Ancient British tribe who once controlled a significant territory within Britain. Explore their borders, neighboring peoples, and their influence in pre-Roman times.