The Mighty Brigantes

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.