Britons
Britons
Ancient Britons
The Ancient Britons were a Celtic-speaking people who inhabited Great Britain from the Iron Age through the Roman Britain period. These indigenous groups spoke a variety of languages from the Brittonic languages family. The term "Britons" is often used synonymously with the Celtic Britons, who were part of a broader Celtic cultural sphere that extended into Ireland and continental Europe.
Celtic Britons
The Celtic Britons, also referred to as Ancient Britons, inhabited Great Britain well before the Roman conquest in AD 43. Their society was divided into various tribes, each with its own territory and governance. Key tribes included the Iceni, Catuvellauni, and Brigantes. The Celtic Britons engaged in farming, metalwork, and trade with other Celtic groups across Europe.
Roman and Sub-Roman Periods
When the Romans invaded Britain, they established the province of Britannia, which encompassed much of modern-day England and Wales. The interaction between the Romans and the Britons led to a blending of cultures, giving rise to a distinct Romano-British culture.
The departure of the Romans in the early 5th century marked the beginning of the Sub-Roman Britain era. During this period, British society fragmented into several smaller kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Strathclyde in the north and various other principalities in the south and west.
Kingdom of Strathclyde
The Kingdom of Strathclyde was a prominent Brythonic kingdom located in what is now southwestern Scotland and northwestern England. Centered around the River Clyde, this kingdom played a significant role in the defense against both Anglo-Saxon and Viking invasions. The inhabitants of Strathclyde, known as the Strathclyde Britons, maintained their distinct cultural and political identity well into the medieval period.
Prehistoric Britain
Before the advent of written records, Prehistoric Britain was home to various peoples who left behind numerous archaeological sites, such as Stonehenge and Avebury. These sites offer a glimpse into the religious and social practices of early Britons, who engaged in activities ranging from hunting and gathering to early forms of agriculture and construction.
Modern Britons
Today, the term "Britons" refers to the British people, citizens of the United Kingdom and its Crown dependencies. This modern population is a melting pot of various ethnic groups, including descendants of the ancient Britons, Anglo-Saxons, Normans, and more recent immigrants. The cultural and historical legacy of the ancient and Celtic Britons continues to influence contemporary British identity.