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Full History of the Ancient Britons: Origins to Post Rome DOCUMENTARY

Kings and Generals・101 minutes read

The British Isles have a rich history of diverse languages and cultures, with Celtic Britons facing numerous conquests, but with a history beyond sorrow and loss. Despite marginalization, there is a renewed interest in Celtic identity globally, with Celtic heritage being celebrated by millions worldwide.

Insights

  • The British Isles have a rich history of diverse languages and cultures, including the Celtic Britons who predate many conquerors like the Norman knights and the Great Heathen Army.
  • Despite marginalization, there is a renewed interest in Celtic identity globally, with Celtic heritage being celebrated by millions worldwide.
  • The Celtic religion was complex, with over 400 deities, and Druids played a crucial role in society as priests and mediators.
  • The Romans successfully defeated the Britons in the Battle of the Medway, establishing control over lowland southern Britain, with Caratacus and Togodumnus retreating towards the Thames.
  • Agricola's conquest of Scotland left the highlands as the only uncontrolled part of Britain.
  • Post-Roman Britain saw the emergence of petty Kingdoms, some based on pre-Roman tribal lines, like Powys, Dumnonia, Gwynedd, and Strathclyde.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of Celtic culture in Britain?

    Celtic culture in Britain has a rich history dating back to the Late Bronze Age, characterized by diverse languages, social customs, and shared religious practices among ancient tribes. Despite facing numerous conquests and marginalization in modern times, Celtic identity is globally celebrated, with a resurgence of interest in Celtic heritage. The origins of Celtic culture in Britain are debated, with theories suggesting Central European or Atlantic origins. The La Tene Culture marked a dynamic period of Celtic history before Roman conquests, with unique Celtic languages like Gaulish, Pictish, and Gaelic spoken in iron-age Britain. Celtic society was decentralized, with tribal territories overseen by chieftains, and social prestige tied to combat prowess. The Celtic religion was complex, with Druids playing crucial roles as priests and mediators, and Celtic artwork and jewelry held cultural and spiritual significance. Despite challenges, Celtic culture remains a treasured part of British history and identity.

  • How did Roman conquest impact Celtic Britain?

    Roman conquest significantly impacted Celtic Britain, leading to the gradual Romanization of the region. The Romans established control over southern Britain through military campaigns and infrastructure development, contrasting with the tribal lifestyle in the north and west. Urbanization increased, with cities like Camulodunum and Londinium offering advanced amenities and paved roads connecting cities and countryside villas. Roman rule saw the co-opting of Celtic culture, with Romanized Celtic elites owning countryside villas and the fusion of Celtic and Roman religious beliefs. Latin adoption by elites occurred, while the majority continued to speak Brittonic, maintaining their Celtic heritage. Despite suppression of Druidic practices, Roman rule was tolerant of other foreign cults. The end of Roman land conquests marked a shift in Celtic history, with the Romans leaving behind a legacy of urbanization, infrastructure, and cultural fusion in Britain.

  • Who were key figures in the resistance against Roman rule in Britain?

    Several key figures led resistance against Roman rule in Britain, with notable individuals like Queen Boudicca of the Iceni tribe standing out. Boudicca rebelled against Roman mistreatment after her husband's death, leading a violent uprising that devastated Roman cities like Camulodunum and Londinium. Roman Governor Paulinus strategically positioned his troops for a decisive battle against Boudicca's rebel forces, with the Roman army facing significantly larger Celtic forces. Despite rallying her troops, Boudicca's forces faced heavy casualties against the disciplined Roman legionaries and auxiliary troops. The intense battle resulted in the massacre of women, children, and the infirm by the Romans, with a stark contrast in casualties between the Britons and Romans. While Boudicca escaped but later died, the Roman legions gained titles after their victory, solidifying Roman control over Britain.

  • How did Agricola impact Roman control in Britain?

    Agricola played a significant role in expanding Roman control in Britain through military campaigns and infrastructure projects. Appointed by Emperor Vespasian to govern Britain, Agricola subdued rebellious tribes in the south before advancing into the untamed north. Roman forces encountered little resistance due to fear and logistical superiority, allowing Agricola to establish a stable Roman frontier in Scotland by 81 AD. Agricola's potential expedition to Ireland hinted at further Roman expansion, with legends supporting the idea. The climactic clash between Agricola and the Caledonian Confederacy at Mons Graupius resulted in a Roman victory, despite being outnumbered. Agricola's recall from Britain led to the abandonment of forts and loss of gains in the north, marking the end of his impactful tenure in solidifying Roman control over Britain.

  • What marked the end of Roman rule in Britain?

    The end of Roman rule in Britain was characterized by a series of invasions, internal conflicts, and the departure of Roman legions. Sub-Roman Britain saw a transition from Roman to Celtic traditions, with Christianity becoming dominant but pagan practices likely surviving. Petty Kingdoms emerged, based on pre-Roman tribal lines, like Powys, Dumnonia, Gwynedd, and Strathclyde. The Anglo-Saxons settled in Britain, leading to cultural assimilation and the evolution of separate languages like Cornish and Welsh. Despite Germanic conquest, Celtic culture persisted in English Kingdoms, showing a blend of Briton and Saxon traditions. The departure of the Romans marked a shift in the history of the Celts, with the end of Roman land conquests and the beginning of a new era shaped by the interplay of Celtic and Anglo-Saxon influences in Britain.

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Summary

00:00

"Celtic Britons: Rich History and Marginalization"

  • The British Isles have a rich history of diverse languages and cultures, including the Celtic Britons who predate many conquerors like the Norman knights and the Great Heathen Army.
  • Celtic Britons have faced numerous conquests but have a history beyond sorrow and loss, including wars with Rome, the Anglo-Saxons, and the mythical age of Arthur.
  • Britain has been conquered and colonized multiple times, leading to epic clashes of civilizations, with Rise of Kingdoms offering a free strategy game to explore and conquer new lands.
  • In modern times, Celtic languages and cultures in Britain are marginalized, with Irish and Welsh faring better than Scottish Gaelic, Cornish, and Manx.
  • Despite marginalization, there is a renewed interest in Celtic identity globally, with Celtic heritage being celebrated by millions worldwide.
  • Modern fantasy literature, influenced by Celtic culture, has popularized Celtic motifs, making Celtic identity widely treasured today.
  • The term 'Celtic' is now a popular ethnic identifier, but historically, the concept of a unified Celtic identity is debated among historians.
  • The origins of Celtic culture in Britain are traced back to the Late Bronze Age, with shared religious practices, social customs, and languages among ancient tribes.
  • The Hallstatt theory suggests Celtic culture originated in Central Europe, while the Atlantic Celts theory argues for a coastal origin along the Atlantic.
  • The La Tene Culture, characterized by iconic Celtic artwork, emerged in Europe during the Iron Age, marking a dynamic period of Celtic history before Roman conquests.

15:00

"Celtic Society in Iron-Age Britain"

  • The Celtic languages spoken in iron-age Britain included Gaulish, Pictish, and Gaelic, each with its own unique characteristics and debated origins.
  • Iron-age Britain was decentralized, with tribal territories dominated by hillforts where chieftains oversaw farming communities.
  • The majority of Celtic society in Britain consisted of subsistence farmers, with social prestige tied to combat prowess.
  • British warriors were known for their war chariots, unlike their continental counterparts who favored mounted cavalry.
  • Women in Celtic Briton society held positions of political and military power, challenging Roman patriarchal norms.
  • Ancient Britons dressed conservatively, with men in tunics and trousers and women in long dresses, adorned with colorful plaid cloaks.
  • Personal grooming was essential for Celts, who plucked body hair and sported mustaches as a sign of manhood.
  • Celtic jewelry, including brooches, bracelets, and torcs, held cultural and spiritual significance.
  • The Celtic religion was complex, with over 400 deities, and Druids played a crucial role in society as priests and mediators.
  • Human sacrifice was a part of Celtic religious practices, with different Gods requiring various forms of ritual slaughter.

29:58

Caesar's Invasion of Britain in 54 BC

  • Diviciacus of the Suessiones commanded the fealty of tribes on both sides of the channel before Caesar's time.
  • Caesar questioned Gallic sea merchants for intel about Britain before his invasion.
  • Caesar sent Commius, a client King, to convince British Chieftains to swear fealty to Rome.
  • On August 23rd, Caesar set forth from Portius Itius with two legions and 500 cavalry.
  • Eighteen of Caesar's transport ships were blown back to the mainland due to contrary winds.
  • Romans encountered painted warriors on the cliffs of Dover upon arrival in Britain.
  • Romans disembarked at Pegwell Bay on Thanet Peninsula, facing a highly mobile British force.
  • Romans faced missile fire upon disembarking but managed to form an orderly battle line.
  • Romans repelled British attacks with the help of shipboard reserves and mounted artillery.
  • Caesar's second invasion of Britain in 54 BC involved five legions, 600 ships, and Gallic cavalry.

43:49

Claudius Conquers Britain in 43 AD

  • In 41 AD, Claudius became the new Princeps of the Roman Empire, despite his initial reputation as a weak and unassuming leader.
  • Claudius decided to conquer Britain to solidify his power and emulate his ancestors Caesar and Augustus.
  • Caratacus, King of the Catuvellauni, had been expanding aggressively, violating Roman treaties and providing Claudius with a reason to invade Britain.
  • In 43 AD, Roman troops assembled in Gesoriacum to prepare for the invasion, led by Aulus Plautius and including Legio XIV Gemina, Legio XX Valeria, Legio IX Hispana, and Legio II Augusta.
  • The invasion force consisted of 45,000 troops, half Roman citizens and half Gaulish and Batavian auxiliaries.
  • The Romans landed in Richborough, Kent, without facing any native opposition, as the Britons had dispersed upon hearing about the Roman mutiny.
  • Plautius led the Roman army westwards along the River Stour, encountering resistance from the Cantiaci tribe near Canterbury.
  • Plautius established a fort near Canterbury and continued towards the River Medway, where Caratacus and Togodumnus gathered a massive British army to oppose the Romans.
  • Plautius devised a diversion tactic, allowing the Batavians to cross the river stealthily and attack the Britons' chariots and horses, creating chaos and enabling the Roman crossing.
  • The Romans successfully defeated the Britons in the Battle of the Medway, establishing control over lowland southern Britain, with Caratacus and Togodumnus retreating towards the Thames.

57:31

"Roman-British Conflict: Boudicca's Rebellion"

  • A group led by a warrior in Western Britain planned to resist Roman advances through guerrilla warfare in the hilly highlands.
  • Emperor Claudius refrained from immediate action, focusing on consolidating his current holdings in Britain.
  • Claudius, accompanied by his Praetorian guard and war elephants, arrived in Camulodunum to receive submissions from local tribes.
  • Resistance to Roman rule persisted in Britain, with some tribes submitting quickly while others, like the Silures and Ordovices, continued guerrilla tactics.
  • Queen Boudicca of the Iceni tribe rebelled against Roman mistreatment after her husband's death, leading to a violent uprising.
  • The Roman city of Camulodunum was devastated by Boudicca's forces, with the population massacred and buildings burned.
  • Londinium faced a similar fate as Camulodunum, with Boudicca's forces inflicting death and destruction upon the city.
  • Roman Governor Paulinus strategically positioned his troops for a decisive battle against Boudicca's rebel forces.
  • The Roman army, consisting of disciplined legionaries and auxiliary troops, faced a significantly larger Celtic force in the upcoming battle.
  • Queen Boudicca and Roman General Paulinus both rallied their troops with motivational speeches before the intense battle commenced.

01:11:57

Roman Conquest of Britain: Battles and Romanization

  • The Romans faced warriors in battle, blunting their charge due to the uphill terrain.
  • The Roman legionaries used Pila javelins to shower the charging warriors, causing significant casualties.
  • Roman formations charged downhill, utilizing offensive wedge formations to carve into the enemy mass.
  • The legionaries attacked with their heavy scutum shield and gladius, overpowering the enemy.
  • Boudicca's light infantry faced heavy casualties against the heavily armed Roman troops.
  • Women, children, and the infirm were trapped and massacred by the Romans.
  • 80,000 Britons died in the battle, contrasting with only 400 Roman casualties.
  • Boudicca escaped but later died, while a Roman commander committed suicide for insubordination.
  • Roman legions gained titles after the victory, while the Iceni and Trinovantes were annihilated.
  • Britain gradually became a Roman province, with resistance continuing for twenty years.
  • Romanization efforts in Britain varied, with the south and east embracing Roman culture more than the north and west.
  • Infrastructure development in southeastern Britain contrasted with the tribal lifestyle in the north and west.
  • The northern regions maintained Celtic traditions despite Roman occupation.
  • The Caledoni in Scotland resisted Roman influence, marking the final frontier of Celtic independence.
  • Vespasian appointed Agricola to govern Britain, aiming to expand Roman control.
  • Agricola subdued rebellious tribes and initiated infrastructure projects.
  • Romanization efforts faced criticism, with Tacitus highlighting the clash of cultures.
  • Agricola's campaigns against the Caledonians were chronicled by Tacitus, his son-in-law.
  • Agricola subdued tribes in the south before advancing into the untamed north.
  • Roman forces encountered little resistance due to fear and logistical superiority.
  • Agricola built forts and roads to consolidate Roman control in Scotland.
  • By 81 AD, Agricola had established a stable Roman frontier in Scotland.
  • Agricola's potential expedition to Ireland was hinted at, with legends supporting the idea.
  • Agricola's conquest of Scotland left the highlands as the only uncontrolled part of Britain.

01:26:08

Battle of Mons Graupius: Roman Victory in Scotland

  • Agricola faced the Pictish ferocity of the Caledones tribe in 84 AD, advancing northward along Alba's highland boundary fault.
  • The woad-streaked Caledonians, led by Calgacus, formed a large confederation to oppose the Romans, gathering a massive army in the mountains.
  • The climactic clash between Calgacus and Agricola occurred at Mons Graupius, where the Caledonian army was encamped nearby.
  • Calgacus and Agricola delivered stirring speeches to their armies before the battle commenced.
  • The Caledonian Confederacy numbered around 30,000, organized into two infantry lines and charioteers on the flat plain.
  • Agricola's forces, outnumbered, consisted of three legions, auxiliary cavalry, and light infantry.
  • The battle began with javelins and spears thrown, with the Roman auxiliaries advancing against the Caledones.
  • The Roman auxiliaries, equipped with more effective short-stabbing swords, gained ground against the Caledonian forces.
  • Agricola's reserve cavalry outflanked the Caledonian forces, leading to their lines breaking and a Roman victory.
  • Agricola's triumph at Mons Graupius was achieved without losing a single Roman citizen, but his recall from Britain led to the abandonment of forts and loss of gains in the north.

01:40:02

Roman Conquest and Celtic Heritage in Britain

  • Ireland was considered too remote and challenging to conquer due to its wild forests, deadly bogs, and war-like tribes.
  • Despite its isolation, Ireland had connections to the ancient world, with Brittonic tribes fleeing Roman rule often reaching the island.
  • The Gaels, particularly the Scotti tribe, engaged in maritime raids on the western coast of Britain.
  • The departure of the Romans from Britain marked a shift in the history of the Celts, with the end of Roman land conquests.
  • Roman influence in Britain led to significant urbanization, with cities like Camulodunum, Eboracum, and Londinium offering advanced amenities.
  • Roman Britain featured a network of paved roads connecting cities and countryside villas, providing comforts similar to urban homes.
  • Roman Britain was a cosmopolitan land, with a mix of foreign transplants and Romanized Celtic natives forming its society.
  • Roman rule in Britain saw the co-opting of Celtic culture, with many Romanized Celtic elites owning countryside villas.
  • The Romans suppressed Druidic practices but were tolerant of other foreign cults, leading to the fusion of Celtic and Roman religious beliefs.
  • The Romanization of Britain saw Latin adoption by the elites, while the majority continued to speak Brittonic, maintaining their Celtic heritage.

01:54:26

Fall of Roman Britain: Chaos and Transition

  • In 350 AD, Constans, son of Constantine the Great, was overthrown and killed by Magnus Magnentius, a possible Celtic Briton, who then took Britannia's legions to fight Constantius II.
  • The Battle of Mursa Major between Magnentius and Constantius II was one of the bloodiest in Roman history.
  • Rome became vulnerable to barbarian incursions after Magnentius' defeat, leading to chaos in Britain.
  • In 367 AD, a mutiny by soldiers on Hadrian's Wall allowed Picts, Saxons, and Irish Scotti to invade Britain simultaneously.
  • The invasion was called the Great Barbarian Conspiracy by Ammianus Marcellinus.
  • Flavius Theodosius deployed a relief force in 368 to drive back the invaders and restore order in Britannia.
  • Magnus Maximus, a Roman officer, later became an Imperial usurper from Britain in 383 AD.
  • Maximus transferred power to local chieftains, leading to the genesis of medieval Wales.
  • Roman rule in Britain ended in 410 AD after a series of invasions and internal conflicts.
  • Sub-Roman Britain saw a transition from Roman to Celtic traditions, with Christianity becoming dominant but pagan practices likely surviving.

02:08:00

Celtic and Anglo-Saxon Conquest in Britain

  • The Spring Goddess Brigid in Ireland was transformed into St. Brigid, celebrated during Imbolc, a pagan festival marking the arrival of Spring.
  • Pagan rituals like the balefires of Beltane and Samhain persisted post-Christianization, connecting Brythonic and Gaelic people with the otherworld.
  • Post-Roman Britain saw the emergence of petty Kingdoms, some based on pre-Roman tribal lines, like Powys, Dumnonia, Gwynedd, and Strathclyde.
  • Gildas, an early 6th-century monk, documented the chaos and invasions of the 5th century in his work "De Excidio et Conquestu Britaaniae."
  • The Anglo-Saxons, a mix of tribes from Scandinavia and North Germany, settled in Britain, with figures like Hengist and Horsa leading the way.
  • The Britons, led by figures like Arthur or Ambrosius Aurelianus, resisted the Anglo-Saxon advance, with battles like Mynydd Badon delaying their conquest.
  • The Anglo-Saxons established themselves in Britain, leading to cultural assimilation and the evolution of separate languages like Cornish and Welsh.
  • King Ceawlin of Wessex defeated British Kings, expanding his territories and causing a cultural drift between Celtic regions.
  • King Æthelfrith of Bernicia conquered northern Brythonic Kingdoms, establishing the Angles as dominant north of the Humber.
  • Despite Germanic conquest, Celtic culture persisted in English Kingdoms, showing a blend of Briton and Saxon traditions.
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