Celtic Brigantes Discussion

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Territorially the Brigantes were the largest Celtic tribe in Britain. The name stems from the same Proto-Celtic root as the goddess Brigantia meaning elevated or prestige - perhaps they saw themselves as highlanders living in elevated fortifications along the Pennines. During the Roman conquest of Britain, Queen Cartimandua led the Brigantes and formed a large tribal agglomeration that was loyal to Rome. She became incredibly wealthy and influential across Britain after helping Emperor Claudius defeat the Welsh tribes. Her husband Venutius divorced and led a series of revolts against her and Roman rule. Eventually Cartimandua appealed for troops from the Romans, who only could offer auxillaries. They successfully evacuated her leaving Venutius in control of a kingdom at war with Rome. It took decades for the Romans to subjugate the Brigantes - it is thought Hadrians Wall was built to prevent them from joining with the Scottish tribes on the other side.