Brigantes Tribe
Brigantes Tribe
The Brigantes were an ancient Celtic tribe that inhabited a large region in what is now northern England during the Iron Age and the early Roman period. They were the largest tribe in Britain, with their territory encompassing vast areas from South Yorkshire to north of the River Tyne.
Territory and Sub-Tribes
The territory of the Brigantes was bordered by several other tribes. To the northwest were the Carvetii; to the east, the Parisii; and to the south, the Corieltauvi and Cornovii. The Brigantes were known to have several sub-tribes or septs, such as the Gabrantovices on the Yorkshire Coast and the Textoverdi near Hadrian's Wall. Other groups like the Setantii and the Lopocares were located on the Lancashire coast and the River Tyne, respectively.
A name Corionototae is also recorded, but it is believed to derive from Corion Toutas, meaning "tribal army" or "people's army," and may have represented a military force or resistance against the Romans rather than an independent tribe.
Leadership and Political Dynamics
Cartimandua
Cartimandua was a notable queen of the Brigantes during the mid-1st century AD. Her reign is marked by alliances and conflicts with the Roman Empire. Cartimandua initially maintained a client status with the Romans, aiding them in capturing the British resistance leader Caratacus. However, her personal life sparked political turmoil. She divorced her husband Venutius and married his armor-bearer, Vellocatus, leading to a civil war within the Brigantes.
Venutius
Venutius, once Cartimandua's consort, became a significant figure opposing Roman rule. After Cartimandua's divorce and remarriage, Venutius led multiple revolts against her and the Romans. Despite his efforts, the Romans initially managed to suppress his uprisings. However, after Cartimandua's appeal for aid, the Romans evacuated her, and Venutius assumed control of the Brigantes.
Roman Conquest and Influence
The Brigantes' interactions with the Romans were complex, marked by alliances, client status, and conflicts. The Romans established control over the Brigantes through military campaigns and political alliances. The presence of Roman forts and settlements, such as those near Hadrian's Wall, indicates the strategic importance of the Brigantes' territory in the Roman military and administrative infrastructure.
Cultural and Linguistic Identity
The Brigantes, like many Celtic tribes, spoke a Brythonic language. Their culture and social structure were typical of Iron Age Celtic societies, with a focus on tribal affiliations, warrior ethos, and agrarian economy. The integration of the Carvetii into the Brigantes hints at a broader regional network of tribal affiliations and sub-tribes.